Following the delivery of Aberdeenshire Council’s Integrated Travel Town Masterplan approach, which has helped to attract inward investment for active and sustainable travel in other areas, the council is now shifting its focus to supporting residents in the two towns.

The two drop-in sessions will take place at Banff Castle on 9 October from 10-4pm and on 10 October from 10-1 pm. 

The sessions will also share updates on the wider active travel routes proposed for the area as part of the Integrated Travel Town Master Planning process.
 
The bridge design works, which have also attained support from Transport Scotland, are presently being funded by regional transport partners Nestrans and are advancing. 

Officers are eager to get feedback on how the design is taking shape. 

The proposed active travel bridge would provide a route for walking, wheeling and cycling between the two towns.

The bridge would be set just downstream from the A-listed Banff Bridge.

The preferred design has been influenced by community consultation and engagement with local residents as well as stakeholders. 

The feedback notably favoured a short-span bridge which complements the arches of the current stone structure, retaining its heritage while providing a modern route. 

Councillor Alan Turner, chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee and vice-chair of the Nestrans Board, said: “It’s important that we are ambitious in our vision for the communities of Banff and Macduff, with improved access within and between the towns being a central focus of the local Integrated Travel Town Masterplan…”

“I would encourage residents from both communities to attend our drop-in sessions and learn more about our ongoing commitment to the area.”