Cafe plans approved for former Ship Inn in Banff
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The Ship Inn in Banff will open its doors to visitors once again as plans to turn the famous pub into a cafe have been approved.
George Wood applied to Aberdeenshire Council seeking permission for the conversion of the historic building earlier this year.
He also unveiled plans to transform the lounge into a two-bedroom flat.
The late 18th Century pub appeared in the 1983 comedy movie Local Hero, directed by Bill Forsyth.
The Banff bar was used as the interior of the fictional Macaskill Arms.
Floor plans revealed that the new cafe could have space for up to nine tables providing seating for 20 customers.
Meanwhile the flat will have two bedrooms, a shower room, living area and kitchen.
One local resident voiced his support for the conversion plan.
Adam Duncan said the proposal would prevent Deveronside from becoming “a series of boarded properties that deter tourists from visiting”.
Council planners also backed the application.
They said it met council policy and would not have an impact on the character of the C-listed building and surrounding conservation area.
The cafe proposal came after Mr Wood’s plan to turn the famous bar into two flats was refused by councillors back in January.
They argued that the building promoted local history as well as the famous film.
Local Hero starred Scottish actor Denis Lawson who also appeared in the original Star Wars trilogy.
Mr Lawson, who played hotel owner and accountant Gordon Urquhart, spoke out against the flat plans.
