Topping Welcomes Hotel Interest

Fraserburgh’s SNP councillor Brian Topping has welcomed the news that national pub chain J D Wetherspoon are understood to be in talks about the future of the former Saltoun Arms Hotel.

Councillor Topping has been at the forefront of efforts to regenerate the town centre in recent years and took the unusual step in December 2009 of writing directly to senior management at some of Europe’s foremost hotel chains inviting them to consider the former Saltoun Arms as their next acquisition.

Commenting on the news about J D Wetherspoon, Councillor Topping said:

“I’m very encouraged by this news and I hope that something positive for the town comes out of this.

“Wetherspoons moved into Peterhead a few years ago and my colleagues there tell me it has been an excellent addition to the town centre, with no loss of existing licensed premises or restaurants as a result.

“This is a prime location right in the heart of the Broch which is crying out to be put to good commercial use. Attracting interest from a company with the standing of Wetherspoons shows that Fraserburgh has much to offer, and I hope there will be a positive outcome for the town.”

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford added:

“This is good news for the town centre that a company such as Wetherspoons are showing interest in Fraserburgh.

“Brian has been a powerful advocate for trying to attract in new business to this prime location, taking the unprecedented step of writing to a dozen of Europe’s top hotel chains back in 2009 to advertise the availability of the Saltoun Arms.

“I hope therefore that something positive comes out of this latest move which will in turn attract more visitors to Fraserburgh Town Centre.”