Aquarium Extension Project Gets Green Light!

Aquarium Extension Project Gets Green Light!

The exciting plans for the upgrade and extension of Macduff Marine Aquarium have been unanimously approved by local councillors.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Banff and Buchan Area Committee welcomed the plans which boast a striking design inspired by the coastal location and Macduff’s rich boat building heritage. 

The distinctive round aquarium building will be expanded to accommodate increased display and activity space and will feature a café-restaurant on the second floor boasting magnificent views over the Moray Firth and inside to the central kelp tank. Internally the central tank, general layout and displays will remain, however exhibits will be upgraded with improved features and interpretation to enhance the visitor experience.

Education and conservation are at the heart of our operations and the expansion will provide space for a lobster hatchery and a dedicated learning room to allow hands on activities and events for learners of all ages. The lobster hatchery will see lobster larvae being grown for release into the wild to boost wild populations, be a focus of interest and support the lobster fishery in years to come.

A new external landscaped activity area to the east side of the building will also feature areas for children’s play and picnic benches, while pathways will be created to connect into the existing coastal path networks and to the wider area. There will also be improved biodiversity planting and wider public realm enhancement works including new paving and surfacing within the car park and external areas.

We are thrilled with the plans which will bring the aquarium to modern standards and hugely improve the experience for visitors and our educational offer. The cafe/restaurant will allow people to extend their visit and we hope to really help put Macduff on the map as a must-visit destination.

The project has financial support from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and works are expected to start on-site in the autumn. The aquarium remains open as usual in the meantime.

Posted on January 01, 2025

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