The 49-53 Bridge Street project is being delivered as part of Aberdeenshire Council’s Banff Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

The North East Scotland Preservation Trust (NESPT) is carrying out the work to provide accommodation for visiting silversmiths at The Smiddy.

Bridge Street will be closed between Low Street and Reid Street for three months to allow the work to take place. Access from Reid Street will remain available.

Banff and Buchan area committee chairman, Cllr Andy Kille, said: “This is fantastic news for the area. The investment will positively affect the local perception of the town as well as attracting visitors and businesses from further afield.

“It is encouraging to see the council and the community working together to continue to improve Banff.”

Vice-chair of the Banff and Buchan area committee, Cllr Mike Roy, added: “The building has been derelict for a number of years and is in a poor state of repair and restoring it will complement the regeneration works taking place in the area.

“It is understandable that these works will cause some disruption, but we ask that residents are patient while the work is underway.”