Macduff Marine Aquarium

The project to extend and improve Macduff Marine Aquarium is underway! Appointed contractor Ogilvie Construction Ltd and sub contractors are working hard on site, with the whole site fenced off to keep everyone safe.

• May 2025: Foundation works are ongoing for the second storey extension and the single storey extension at the rear of the aquarium - for the staff workspaces and lobster hatchery - is being constructed.
• April 2025: The front of the original aquarium building has been demolished for the new front extension
• February/March 2025: Landscaping works ongoing, including installation of pathways and an outlook point. Concrete benches on the eastern side of the paths are in place, with soft landscaping being undertaken to give the native coastal plants time to establish.
• March 2025: We hosted two Meet the Buyer events in March for catering businesses interested in operating the new cafe/restaurant to find out more about this exciting opportunity and how to submit a tender... details here. If you missed these events and would like more information please get in touch via the contacts page.

• The fish are remaining in place and the aquarium team are looking after them as usual - 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. Meanwhile the team are also getting out and about with an exciting new outreach programme, bringing the aquarium to your classroom! Check out the aquarium's website for details on the different marine and climate topics available and how to book.

• April 2024: The exciting plans for the extension and upgrade to Macduff Marine Aquarium were unanimously approved by local councillors. On Tuesday 16th April 2024, Aberdeenshire Council’s Banff and Buchan Area Committee welcomed the plans, which boast a striking design inspired by the coastal location and Macduff’s rich shipbuilding heritage
• September 2023: The plans for the aquarium development were drawn up by Aberdeenshire Council’s team of architects. Engagement sessions with local community members were held at the aquarium in September 2023. Feedback from these sessions and the public surveys has been summarised on these pages.
• Full detail of the plans can be accessed here: http://tinyurl.com/yc568hx5

• It's expected that the works will take one year to complete and the aquarium will remain closed during this time - projected until Spring 2026. Keep up with the project's progress here or follow the aquarium on Facebook or Instagram for all the fishy news.