Residents of Banff and Macduff are invited to informal engagement sessions presenting the current design for a new active travel crossing. The initiative builds on Aberdeenshire Council's Integrated Travel Town Masterplan, which has attracted investment in sustainable transport elsewhere, with a renewed focus on supporting the two north coast communities.

Two drop-in sessions will take place at Banff Castle on Friday 9 October (10am to 4pm) and Saturday 10 October (10am to 1pm). Alongside the bridge proposals, officers will share updates on other local active travel routes being developed through the Masterplan to secure continuous connections on both sides of the river and beyond.

Design work, supported by Transport Scotland and funded by regional transport partnership Nestrans, is progressing well, and the project team is keen to hear feedback as the plans evolve.

Positioned just downstream of the historic A listed Banff Bridge, the proposed structure would provide a safe, comfortable and attractive link for people walking, wheeling and cycling between the towns. By removing the need to mix with cars, buses and heavy vehicles on the existing bridge deck, it is expected to transform everyday connectivity and encourage higher levels of active travel across the area.

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The preferred concept has been shaped directly by community consultation and extensive engagement with residents and stakeholders. Feedback strongly supported a shorter-span solution that reflects the elegant arches of the existing stone bridge, complementing its heritage while creating a modern, user-focused connection.

Speaking ahead of the drop-in events, Cllr Alan Turner, chair of the council's Infrastructure Services Committee and vice-chair of the Nestrans Board, said: "It's important that we are ambitious in our vision for the communities of Banff and Macduff, with improved access within and between the towns being a central focus of the local Integrated Travel Town Masterplan, an award winning approach already delivering active travel infrastructure across Aberdeenshire. I would encourage residents from both communities to attend our drop-in sessions and learn more about our ongoing commitment to the area."

Cllr Doreen Mair, chair of the Banff and Buchan Area Committee, added: "We are delighted to see progress being made. The importance of this for our communities cannot be underestimated and we look forward to seeing how the ambitious bridge project progresses and how it will link to wider active travel aspirations. In other areas, infrastructure such as this can be a great economic enabler which will also support our drive to be a more prosperous area."