Old pool could become lobster hatchery
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PLANS for a tourism-boosting £1.5 million lobster hatchery at the former Tarlair outdoor swimming pool at Macduff impressed a councillor so much that he said he would invest in it.
Councillor Michael Watt, speaking at the Banff and Buchan Area Committee meeting, said: "I am prepared to invest money into this - put my money where my mouth is."
Councillor Watt spoke just before the committee voted in favour of progressing with plans to develop the category A-listed site into a lobster hatchery with a visitor centre, which, it is hoped, will encourage tourists to visit the area.
The option to turn the site into a hatchery area was chosen over cheaper and more conservative proposals, on the basis that the site will be an asset for the future.
The pool with its art-deco style buildings, was once a popular venue for locals and tourists, however swimming ceased there in 1995.
The buildings have since fallen into disrepair, and the local authority has an obligation to preserve what remains of them because of their category A listing.
Councillors put focus on the need to research sources of funding.
Councillor John Cox warned that the region must apply soon in order to benefit from the government’s recently launched coastal regeneration fund, before that money is directed elsewhere.
He said: "We need the local community to see we have vision."
Committee chairman Sydney Mair highlighted the wish of the council to bear in mind the wishes of Macduff’s model boat club, which has maintained the site in recent years, and frequently use the inner pool.
Tim Stephen, Aberdeenshire council’s director of education, learning and leisure, said: "The plans will not interfere with the inner pool."
Opposition to the project, which has already cost the council £70,000 in consultation fees, suggests that such a hatchery may impact upon the local fishing trade, and research into this features as part of the plans.
Councillors agreed to progress to the next stage of creating a lobster hatchery with a visitor centre to encourage tourism.
