The Moray Council has announced a project to install a new community orchard and garden in Buckie.

The project is being financed by £20,000 from developer contributions secured by Moray Council from Tesco to mitigate the environmental impact of their new store.

Potential sites for the project have been investigated and options presented to local councillors. The Rose Garden site at Queen Street was deemed to be the most suitable location. Its original design has been incorporated into a draft sketch that will assist the transformation of the space into an attractive, quality area for the community to enjoy.

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In a joint statement, Buckie councillors Sonya Warren, Gordon Cowie and Tim Eagle said they were looking forward to the project being completed and hailed it as an asset to the local community.

Cllr Warren said: "This site and project was one that was raised by members of the community a few times at the recent events.

"It's fantastic to see it be developed and the former rose gardens be transformed into an attractive area, that will provide not only fruit but great learning benefits for young people at our local schools and the wider community."

The draft design will be showcased at a drop-in exhibition to gauge public opinion. This will be on 13 November at the Buckie Thistle Function Hall from 4pm to 7pm. Moray Council officers and local councillors will be on hand to discuss the plans.

Comments on the draft design can be submitted then, by email to [email protected] or in writing to Moray Council, Strategic Planning & Development, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX. All comments must be received by 5pm on Friday 15 November 2019.

(MH/CM)