Plans submitted to transform Buckie Drifter into office complex
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THE long-vacant Buckie Drifter could be buzzing with life once more if plans lodged with Moray Council are given the go ahead.
The former tourist attraction and fishing museum was closed in 2005 by the council in a bid to save money and, apart from being reopened for a week during Buckie RNLI's 150th anniversary celebrations, has remained closed for over 17 years. Over the years different uses for the building have been suggested – including serving as a music and cultural centre – but, for a variety of reasons, have not progressed.
However, Moray West Offshore Windfarm Ltd have submitted an application which would see the building transformed into an office complex.
The firm has selected Buckie to serve as its Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base and as part of this office and storage space is required near the harbour.
In the planning application, it is envisaged that the premises will feature both open plan and cellular office space, along with a canteen, showers, toilets and storage.
The decision to use Buckie as an O&M base was unveiled last year. If all goes to plan, the wind farm should be generating electricity by 2024.
The base is expected to support in the region of 60 jobs once fully operational.
Situated around 22km off the Moray coastline, the project has consent up to 85 turbines and a generating capacity of 850MW.
Acting as agents for Moray West Windfarm Ltd are Glasgow firm Corstorphine and Wright.
