The priority area in the council’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan will see investment to support more members of the community into employment, volunteering and other opportunities. Buckie Harbour sits within the improvement district.

The Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP) sees local authorities receive funding over a five year period specifically for investment shaped by the needs and aspirations of local communities. Funding supports ambitions for place, 20-minute neighbourhoods, town centre action, community-led regeneration and community wealth building.

Moray Council convener, Cllr Shona Morrison, said after the meeting: “Buckie is well placed to support the blossoming offshore renewable industry and attract supply chain business that can include parts supply, vessel support, diving, lubricants, training and more.

“Using the significant PBIP funding to procure and prepare vacant and sites and derelict properties on Commercial Road for harbour development provides for fantastically positive regeneration activity in Buckie Central East, supporting our aim to create employment opportunities in the town.”

Moray Council is currently in discussion with Ocean Winds, the developer for the Moray West Offshore windfarm, on how Buckie Harbour could support their aim to secure a Government Contract for Difference.

In addition to the two existing windfarms in the Moray Firth, a further 5GW of offshore wind is expected to be licensed for development over the next decade and shore based development will be an essential part of delivery.