Fraserburgh residents are to be given the chance to have their say in the running of a new £9m leisure centre, which is running ahead of schedule and will be ready to open in February.

A public open day next week will give members of the community the opportunity to express their views on the facilities and how the amenities can be used to help as many residents as possible.

Created as part of Aberdeenshire Council's Education, Learning and Leisure Plan, the new centre will replace the existing aged pool and community centre.

Facilities include a 25m pool, learning pool, three court sports hall, gym, fitness studio, village changing area, sauna, steamroom, community centre and an NHS Healthpoint.

Community fundraising group FISSH (Fraserburgh area Initiative for Swimming, Sport and Health) will pay for a 40m internal flume – the only one in Aberdeenshire – as well as other fun and sports equipment, if funds allow.

Vice chair of the Education, Learning & Leisure Committee, Ron McKail, says: "The final touches are now being put in place for a unique facility which will be the most modern and advanced of its kind in Aberdeenshire. This new centre will be a flagship for swimming, sport and community activities in Banff and Buchan."