According to Barbara Paul of Fraserburgh's Tourist Information Centre, 3 Saltoun Square, it is a case of being "kept busy with plenty of visitors".

The Fraserburgh Herald took soundings across a range of tourism related areas; from newcomer guest house operator to local councillor to lighthouse museum guide, the message was positive.

Barbara Paul said that many people born in the local area are revisiting on ancestry searches, several on nostalgia trips - and some property hunting with a view to resuming residence locally. Barbara's visitor book showed Australia, Canada, Japan, etc.

The same international breadth was reflected by Scottish Museum of Lighthouses guide, Duncan McIntosh, who told the Herald that despite a slackening off, a couple of Ulster bus tours cancelled, Commonwealth visitors were keeping the figures steady. Fewer from Continental Europe, but local people bringing along holidaying friends as usual.

Swings and roundabouts was how a Fraserburgh Heritage Centre spokesperson voiced it. For example, a strong approach last year to local WRI groups had resulted in a "fantastic response", but repeat visits couldn't be expected this year.

Figures were slightly down, but "we missed Easter this year", explaining how the early Easter had preceded the April opening of the Heritage Centre.

Mrs Jacqui Ferguson, of the Abervale guest house, 51 Saltoun Place, and her husband, Kevin, embarked on their business at the beginning of May this year - "from scratch" as Mrs Ferguson told the Herald on Monday - a trading gap between the previous, retired operators, and them. Jacqui and Kevin's list of visitors included Zimbabwe, Munich in Germany, Italy, and nearer home - Isle of Lewis, Edinburgh, London, etc.

They were upbeat about their new venture, "working fine for us at the moment", with the kids enjoying meeting different people, she said.
Mrs Ferguson made it her point to refer guests to local features - lighthouse museum, heritage centre, nearby leisure centre, etc.

Some visitors said they had tended to miss out this corner of Scotland, now curiosity had brought them, she added.
Fraserburgh & District Councillor Ian Tait's difficulty, when asked for some tourism comment, was trying not to offend by omission, as he readily rattled off places and activities available in the locality.

"We have wet weather attractions like the Lighthouse Museum and the Heritage Centre both of which are excellent attractions, and the Leisure Centre has a reputation for good, friendly service.

"Occasionally, there are attractions on at the Dalrymple Hall and Arts Centre and I am sure we could do more if the downstairs rooms in the building were renovated and brought back into use."

"There are the usual things like bars and bingo.

"The beach is a great asset and the Council has begun to improve the look of the caravan site, where an excellent attendant called Mark Cameron is widely appreciated by the visitors for his friendliness and helpfulness. Mark also issues putters for the putting green.

"I had discussions with the Landscape Officers of the Council and they have started improvements at the prom and it is looking better already," added Councillor Tait.

A beach attendant has also been appointed until September.
Councillor Tait listed open air activities including surfing off the prom and kite surfing off Philorth beach and highlighted Fraserburgh Golf Course "which charges very reasonable fees for visitors."