An End of Year Note from the Husbandry Team

… As we draw to the end of 2025, we thought it would be nice to look back at all that has happened at the aquarium over this very busy year.

What a year it has been!

· January to March

Ogilvie Construction took over the site on the 1^st February and very quickly we started seeing the construction take shape in the landscaping, with pathways along the seafront getting ripped up and re-laid with a new buggy and wheelchair friendly surface. In addition to a new look-out point, seating was installed with marram grass planted in dune accents.

· April to June

The main project started with weeks of demolition. We soon found ourselves with only half an aquarium! The extension at the back of the aquarium was framed out and we got to see where the lobster hatchery, lab and workshop would be going. During this time, new drainage was installed, and a huge concrete floor was poured. - the foundation for the main extension to be built on.

· July to September

The project went vertical with the construction of the external steelwork along with the outer framing. The roof was completed, and work began inside with the addition of new ventilation ducting and cable trays.

· September to December

Work during last few months has been focussed on cladding the outside of the steel structure and therefore make the building wind and watertight… Just in time for winter! Work can then start in earnest on interior walls, electrical circuits and installation of the building management system.

During this time, the nine of us continued to work hard… looking after the animals, presenting outreach events, consulting on the design process and planning for 2026. It has been quite an experience and I’m sure we’ve all learned a lot about building sites and construction projects.

The animals have really surprised us… we put a series of contingencies into action on day one and during the entire year we have not needed any of them. All the animals remain on site to this day and we have gently moved them round the building as and when the contractors have needed access to their displays. Our dedicated team put on PPE every day and become part of the construction team to make sure the animals are safe and well fed. We have continued to dive twice a week which has provided quite a distraction to the workers on site!!

What’s next…

With the aquarium due to be handed back to us in Spring we now have a few months to go… Attention is going to be on the internal fit out which will involve new display tanks, new interpretation and new animals. We will also start to see the completion of the landscaping with the addition of coastal planting and play areas and external interpretation.

It’s all really exciting and we can’t wait to show you all the new and updated Macduff Aquarium.

We will continue to keep you up to date with our ‘Beyond the Build’ Vlogs which you can watch on YouTube.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon… it will be worth the wait!