Macduff Marine Aquarium

The project to extend and improve Macduff Marine Aquarium has been making good progress. Appointed contractor Ogilvie Construction Ltd and sub contractors are working hard on site, with the whole site fenced off to keep everyone safe. As we approach the end of a very busy year, the building is just about weather tight and focus will shift to internal fit out in the New Year. The building management system is to be installed, with modern ventilation and air source heating to increase the building's energy efficiency. The new display tanks are scheduled to be installed in January which is hugely exciting for the aquarium team.

Progress this year:

• November - December 2025: The contractors have been busy cladding the steel framework to make the extension weather tight in time for the winter. Further landscaping works are bringing shape to the grounds to the east of the building, ready for planting with marram grasses, coastal wildflowers and some pine trees to create a beautiful coastal garden and play area.
• Summer 2025: The project went vertical during the summer months with the construction of the external steelwork for the extension along with the outer framing. The roof was completed, and work began inside with the addition of new ventilation ducting and cable trays.
• May 2025: Foundation works were in place for the second storey extension and the single storey extension at the rear of the aquarium was constructed - for the staff workspaces and lobster hatchery.
  
• April 2025: The front of the original aquarium building was demolished for the new front extension
• February/March 2025: Landscaping works were started, including installation of pathways and an outlook point. Concrete benches on the eastern side of the paths were set place, with soft landscaping undertaken to give the native coastal plants time to establish

• The fish are remaining in place and the aquarium team are looking after them as usual, as well as working with fantastic fishers to boost the live collection in time for reopening and to populate our new displays. Meanwhile the team have been busy consulting on the internal designs and planning for the coming year, but also getting out and about presenting a popular outreach programme, bringing the aquarium to classrooms in Aberdeenshire, attending events and hosting pop up activities and even rock pooling sessions locally. Check out the aquarium's website for details on the different marine and climate topics available if you're interested in the outreach programme and how to book.
• You can 'Keep with the Current' and check the aquarium's Facebook and YouTube pages for live streams and updates to get your fish fix if you are missing them

• There is still lots to do to complete the project and aquarium will remain closed during this time - projected until Spring/Summer 2026. Keep up with the project's progress here or follow the aquarium on Facebook or Instagram for all the fishy news.