The funding for the Friends of Tarlair Community Group from the Macduff Vision and Action Plan budget was unanimously supported by Aberdeenshire Council’s Banff and Buchan area committee last week.

It comes on the back of more than £1.4 million in funding from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund to help breathe new life into the former lido pavilion.

The £1.8m project will involve the Friends of Tarlair community group bringing the once-popular art deco facility back into use for both local residents and visitors.

Friends of Tarlair have carried out various care-taking tasks over several years on a voluntary basis such as clearing the area around the pavilion of litter and marine detritus.

They have also been vigilant in reporting to Aberdeenshire Council acts of vandalism at the site and responsive repairs.

Nestled in a sheltered bay east of Macduff, the refurbished community facility will feature a cafe and an art heritage workshop.

Studio Octopi in partnership with Heritage Architecture were appointed last year with funding assistance secured from the Macduff Vision and Action Plan to lead the restoration.

Commenting on the latest financial support for the project, Banff and Buchan area committee chair Cllr Doreen Mair said: “We have all been very impressed by the energy and commitment demonstrated by the Friends of Tarlair and this funding will enable them to complete key stages of the initiative within a tight timescale, particularly around the design work. Once again I would like to congratulate the group on its progress to-date and thank our officers for their continued support of the project.”

Chair of the Macduff Development Partnership, Councillor Ross Cassie, added: “We’re seeing very exciting progress at Tarlair which, when completed, will bring this iconic art deco building back to life for the local community and visitors to enjoy for many years to come.”

Meanwhile, the Banff and Buchan area committee also approved a tender for flood improvement works at Whitehills.

The scheme, expected to commence in the Spring, will see the flood bund and associated drainage systems in the village upgraded over a 4-6 week period.