The programme has already facilitated the revamp of Saltoun Square’s Faithlie Centre and work is ongoing on the creation of a hotel in the former John Trail bookshop and Clydesdale bank premises in the town centre.

Now, the Fraserburgh Regeneration Development Partnership is entering the final year of the community-led regeneration project.

Councillor Brian Topping, partnership chairman and town, said: “It is heartening to see so much progress being made on a wealth of tremendous projects right here in the heart of Fraserburgh. The investment from Aberdeenshire Council and our generous funding partners has been vital in securing the long-term vitality of our town.”

Plans are already approved for improvements at Kirk Brae, and repairs to the Saltoun Mausoleum and Temperance Fountain continue.

At the same time, an £80,000 Glover Birthplace, a memorial to Thomas Blake Glover in the form of a Japanese-themed courtyard garden at Commerce Street, is due to begin this spring.

Next up are repairs to the town’s only category A-listed building, Anderson House on Frithside Street.

Work on the Archibald Simpson-designed historic home begins this month, The Press and Journal reports. 

Work is also due to commence this month on the much-anticipated Cross Street development on the site of the former Barbours Garage where Grampian Housing Association will be creating 26 two-bed and nine one-bed flats.

Doreen Mair, Banff and Buchan area committee chairwoman, added: “This has been a hugely difficult year for everyone in Fraserburgh – as it has been for those across the UK and beyond.

“We are delighted that we are once again seeing our regeneration activities gain momentum to bring more of our historic town centre buildings back into use.

“The Faithlie Centre has already become a focal point for the community and we were all proud when it won the Re-use of Buildings category in this year’s Scottish Design Awards.

“We look forward to welcoming the community into the building once Covid restrictions are relaxed. Regeneration of the former John Trail bookshop and Clydesdale Bank will also provide us with muchneeded hotel capacity and give a huge economic boost.”

Aberdeenshire Council’s small grant fund is also supporting a number of transformational projects including traditional shopfront restorations.