Significant progress has been made on improvements to the Banff Railway Jetty and East Pier.

Aberdeenshire Council is investing £1.3 million in the construction works which are being project managed by Turner Townsend.

Lochshell Ltd are the appointed Contractor for the works which will see the reinstatement of the jetty after a partial collapse in June 2017 and strengthening to the East Pier.

The project has been welcomed locally by harbour users, the wider community and visitors to the area, with Banff Harbour playing a key role in providing facilities for many pleasure craft, hobby fishermen and commercial interests.

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Philip McKay, Head of Roads, Landscape and Waste Services, with responsibility for Harbours, explained: "When dealing with the complexities of maintaining and repairing old structures -and in particular marine structures–there are often instances when a change of direction is forced upon the project.

"The initial proposed temporary work methodology for carrying out the repair works entailed creating a de-watered area between the East Pier and Railway Jetty. This was expected to be achieved by installing a waterproof membrane on the back of the East Pier wall and forming two bunds within the harbour. The two bunds have been installed and works are progressing, but the contractor is actively considering alternative temporary works to replace the waterproof membrane installation to stop egress of water which will allow them to extend the working period at each tide.

"Given the difficulties faced recently, we are anticipating an 18-day delay, however the new approach will enable the contractor to work full days whether at low or high tide and we have given permission for weekend operations to ensure the project is completed as soon as possible."