Residents of Buckie are being encouraged to share their views on a new seating area planned for Cluny Square’s north-east quadrant, with designs celebrating the town’s fishing heritage.
The seating, shaped like a herring to pay homage to Buckie’s cultural and historical ties to the fishing industry, has been designed by talented S4 pupils from Buckie High School as part of the Buckie Town Centre Improvement Plan.
Set to be installed by June 2025, the seating will complement the existing telescope and plinth, which will remain in place, offering locals and visitors a space to gather and take in the scenic surroundings.
An online consultation is now live and will run until Friday 21 February 2025, allowing the public to have their say on the seating layout, potential integration of cycle racks, and the inclusion of local phrases to be inscribed on the furniture.
Additionally, feedback is being sought on the decorative designs proposed for the bollards in the surrounding area, giving the community a chance to influence the aesthetic of the space.
For those who prefer to share their views in person, a drop-in feedback session will take place at Buckie’s North Church Hall on Tuesday 4 February, running from 2pm to 7pm.
Chair of Moray Council’s Economic, Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Councillor Marc Macrae, highlighted the importance of community involvement in shaping the project.
He said:
“This seating will help create a lovely space that reflects the town’s unique heritage, while allowing people to meet socially and enjoy the views across the harbour.
“It would be great to see the whole town get involved in giving their feedback on the plans.”
The project aims to create a welcoming and functional public area that celebrates Buckie’s history while providing modern amenities for locals and visitors alike.
Community participation is at the heart of the initiative, ensuring the final design resonates with the people who live and work in the town.
With the opportunity to shape the seating’s layout, inscriptions, and other features, the project offers a chance to reflect Buckie’s character and create a space the community can take pride in.
The seating design, inspired by the herring fish that played a central role in Buckie’s history, serves as a reminder of the town’s roots while contributing to its future as an inviting and vibrant destination.
As part of the wider Town Centre Improvement Plan, this project reflects ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the area, blending heritage with practical enhancements to support local life.
All members of the public are encouraged to take part in the consultation to ensure their voices are heard and their ideas considered in shaping the town’s evolving public spaces.
Whether sharing views online or attending the in-person session, this is a chance for the people of Buckie to leave their mark on a project that celebrates their past and looks ahead to the future.