OGILVIE Construction is set to begin work on the project to modernise Macduff Marine Aquarium.
The firm has already started pre-construction activities on site alongside the external landscaping works which commenced earlier this year, with the build of an extension and modernisation of the award-winning attraction set to now begin.
The Aberdeenshire Council project, which is due to be completed in early 2026, will see a ‘significant’ modernisation of the aquarium – which will include expanded facilities and enhanced exhibits. The two-storey extension will aim to take advantage of coastal views with the distinctive round aquarium building being expanded to accommodate increased activity space. It will feature a café-restaurant on the second floor boasting views over the Moray Firth and 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, the local authority added.
Education and conservation are at the heart of the aquarium’s 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.
A new external landscaped activity area to the east side of the building will 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.
David Mason, Ogilvie Construction’s operations director for Tayside and north Scotland, said, “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver Aberdeenshire Council’s future vision for the Macduff Marine Aquarium. We will continue to work with their team throughout the delivery of the project and look forward to handing over a modern high-quality facility that will be a major attraction in the community.”
Macduff Marine Aquarium manager, Claire Matthews, added, “Throughout the refurbishment activity our team will be working hard to ensure the fish are kept safe and well as the work goes on around them. There will be temporary tanks set up away from the main areas of work and to hold those animals whose tanks will be upgraded, but the cold-water life support systems will be kept running throughout the project to keep the animals happy in their homes.”
