The North East Scotland Preservation Trust (NESPT) is working hard to convert two derelict buildings in the centre of Fraserburgh into a hotel. Phase 1 of the project is due for completion at the end of November, with phase 2 continuing into next year. Following a competitive tender process, the NESPT appointed local contractor V G Willox Ltd to carry out the work. Business owner Vince Willox said “We were delighted to be appointed as Main Contractor on this exciting and transformational project in Fraserburgh. The appointment enabled us to recruit three apprentices to work on the project. It is a great opportunity to offer young lads training in heritage building redevelopment and the technical aspects involved. We are a local company, we employ local people, and use local subcontractors and suppliers wherever possible. This ensures the maximum economic benefit to the local community.”

Owen Park and Dylan Wray, both 17, are apprentice joiners while Liam Inglis, 17, is an apprentice plumber. The apprenticeships are a mixture of college learning and on the job training. Owen and Dylan attend the North East Scotland College, Owen in Aberdeen, and Dylan in Fraserburgh. Liam attends Tullos Training Ltd in Aberdeen.

Owen and Dylan have learnt the following skills: total strip out of the building, making good the wall structure of the building, first fix (wall plates, joists, flooring, wall framing and dwanging), second fix (plaster boarding and insulating), finishing (internal door fitting, skirtings, facings and window sills), and manufacturing and fitting traditional sash and case windows.

Liam has gained skills in the internal removal of existing plumbing materials, first fix plumbing for heating pipes and hot and cold-water supply to the 11 ensuite shower rooms, fitting of water tanks, fitting of sanitary ware and radiators and traditional leadwork to the roof valleys, gutters and flashings.

The £2.5 million hotel project is being funded by the Aberdeenshire Town Centre Fund, Fraserburgh 2021, the Aberdeenshire Regeneration Fund and the Place Based Investment Programme. The development of the project was grant aided by the Architectural Heritage Fund.

For further information contact Paul Higson, NESPT Project Manager, on 07831 580165.

Main image: NESPT Chairman, Marcus Humphrey (far left) and Project Manager, Paul Higson (far right), join, from left to right Dylan, Vince Willox, Owen and Liam outside the hotel