September 21 2023

Plans to upgrade and extend Macduff Marine Aquarium are shaping up with the release of the first tranche of images illustrating how the expanded facility could appear.

Aberdeenshire Council has received funding from the UK Government's Levelling Up fund to improve the visitor experience at the attraction by providing additional display and activity space as well as a cafe.

This would see a cylindrical kelp tank retained while introducing a second-floor cafe/restaurant to command views across the Moray Firth. The opportunity will also be taken to introduce external viewing decks. Additional space will also permit a lobster hatchery for cultivating larvae to be built as well as a dedicated learning suite.

Craig Matheson, Aberdeenshire Council’s principal architect commented: “The extension design is influenced by the aquarium’s context near to the harbour and engages the building with its coastal setting and sea views, creating an exciting first impression for visitors as they arrive. The surrounding area will be landscaped to improve biodiversity and encourage people to use the space for children’s activities, whilst the proposals will be mindful of nearby residential properties. The building will be upgraded to meet modern standards for energy efficiency and sustainability.

“It is an interesting challenge to design around the aquarium’s central display tank and collection of marine animals that will be maintained throughout, but we are confident that the design successfully combines the existing building with the bold new frontage.”

Current displays and exhibits will also be improved as part of this approach. 

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