Applications are now open for the Fraserburgh BIG Ideas Grant Fund 2026, a new initiative designed to strengthen the town centre by helping to bring back into use vacant commercial premises.
The £25,000 fund administered by Aberdeenshire Council will offer grants to help individuals, businesses and community groups with innovative ideas which will help transform vacant properties, attract visitors and generate new economic activity in the town centre.
For more information visit https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/fraserburgh-big-ideas-fund/
Building on the success of the BIG Ideas programme previously delivered in Banff and Macduff which was shortlisted as a finalist in the national SURF Awards 2025, Fraserburgh BIG Ideas aims to tackle key challenges such as rising vacancy rates and fluctuating footfall by empowering local people to shape the future of their town.
The Fraserburgh BIG Ideas Grant Fund has been designed to:
- Bring vacant town centre premises back into active use
- Encourage new and diverse uses for buildings, including retail, services, wellbeing and shared spaces
- Increase footfall and make the town centre more attractive to residents and visitors
- Support entrepreneurship and new business start-ups
- Encourage investment from property owners and landlords
- Boost community involvement, ownership and long-term sustainability
- Create lasting economic and social benefits for Fraserburgh
The fund will also help stimulate fresh ideas and support projects which contribute to a vibrant, resilient town centre.
Information drop-in sessions will be taking place in The Chamber at The Faithlie Centre in Fraserburgh Town Centre this week:
- Tuesday, May 12 – 3-5pm
- Thursday, May 14 9-11am
- Monday, May 18 – 12-2pm
The drop‑ins are open to anyone interested in applying and seeking guidance on the fund, project ideas or the application process and no appointment is required. The closing date for applications is Monday, June 22.
The Fraserburgh BIG Ideas Fund is open to anyone with a viable idea which will bring new life to the town centre, from pop-up shops and creative spaces to community initiatives and new business ventures.
In addition to funding, applicants will be signposted to further support through services such as Business Gateway, helping to maximise long-term success.
The initiative comes at a key time for Fraserburgh, where town centre data has highlighted increasing vacancy rates and the need for renewed activity and investment. The fund is intended to act as a catalyst for positive change, creating new reasons for people to visit, work and invest in the town centre.