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31 July, 2010
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Published: 03 November, 2009
A BOARDED-up building in the heart of Macduff will be transformed within a matter of weeks thanks to some artistic vision.
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The shop premises on Duff Street, which has lain vacant for some time, will be used to create a long-lasting piece of public art. The project has been made possible thanks to a £1,000 grant from the Banff and Buchan Arts Forum. Two artists are currently working with Banff and Macduff Community Trust to develop their proposals. The work - which is likely to be photographic - will be mounted on the shop windows and removed if a new tenant moves in. Trust operations and development manager Fiona Poustie said she believes it will be a very welcome improvement. "Boarded-up shop windows are something that people here constantly talk about," said Mrs Poustie. "We felt that after the problem was highlighted in our Photo Project in May, it was something we had to take forward because it was the one thing the community kept mentioning."
The Photo Project encouraged members of the public to take snapshots of things they liked and disliked in the area. Over 60% of people who sent in their photographs highlighted the condition of run-down properties. The shop in Duff Street was once a hardware store and more recently was used by the Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association. The artwork will be something that strongly relates to Macduff's identity, and it will be laminated to ensure it is long-lasting. It is hoped that the finished project will be in place before Christmas. The building is owned by local couple Henry and Rose Hollins, and they are delighted it is to be transformed. Mrs Hollins said: "It's been empty for a long, long time and I think it will be great for the local area. I think people who are passing by will find it much nicer to have it brightened up - they will appreciate it." 
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