City's boss called MacKay's surprise move to Buchan a "real kick in the teeth" and admitted he had a struggle on his hands to locate a replacement for the left-sided midfielder.

The former Ross County and Forres Mechanics player, nicknamed "Sid" – who turns 26 next week – joins leading performers like Martin Johnston, Keiron Renton, Adam Moffat and Adam Nelson in leaving the Borough Briggs club for pastures new.

MacKay signed a new two-year deal with Elgin in April, but having restarted training with Williamson last week, he finalised his move to Steve Paterson's Peterhead for an undisclosed fee on Wednesday.

"I'm bitterly disappointed," said the Black and Whites' manager. "Just when you think you're beginning to get things together, something like this happens – it's a real kick in the teeth.

"It's back to the drawing board for myself and Kenny (his assistant Gilbert)."

Inverness-based MacKay joined Elgin just under a year ago, having previously enjoyed a loan spell with them in the Third Division while a Ross County player.

He was seen as a key player in Williamson's team for the coming season, but after an approach came in from Peterhead this week, the player was given permission to talk to Paterson and quickly made his mind up to step up a grade.

"The lure of Second Division was too much and although it will involve a lot more travel for Steven, he sees this as his last chance to play at that level.

"Its a real blow, another local player we've lost.

"But I would never stand in the way of any player getting a chance at a higher league.

"I was looking forward to getting him fit and working with him this year and his attitude had been good but unfortunately he's decided to move.

"The official approach came out of the blue really and within 24 hours he was gone."

Although Elgin receive money for MacKay, Williamson fears that inflated valuations from other teams will hamper his quest for another left-footed player.

"He is a quality player and left-sided guys are hard to come by but it has become a priority now.

"I'm not going to say how much we got for Steven but when North clubs are asking silly money for their players, it means getting someone else in won't be easy.

The City manager also played down his chances of persuading Adam Moffat – currently with Cleveland City Stars in America – from returning to the Moray club when his Stateside season comes to an end.

"I will try to get him but don't really see it as a possibility. He had indicated to us earlier in the year that the travel was getting to him so I'm not very hopeful."

One player who is destined for Borough Briggs is ex-Lossiemouth striker Darren Shallicker.

The RAF serviceman agreed to join City from Nairn County for a stab at Third Division football and, because of his occupation, will sign on amateur forms.

"A lot of Third Division teams have got 'Shalli'-like players in their team and I think he can do a good job for us," Williamson said.

"He leads the line well, has a good touch and can give defenders real problems. I saw him playing for Nairn against Caley Thistle last year and he gave Grant Munro and Stuart McCaffrey a torrid time so I'm hoping he can make a name for himself."

c.christie@northern-scot.co.uk

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