Public invited to have their say on future of Merson Park
People in Buckie and the surrounding area are being invited to take part in a public consultation on the potential transfer of Merson Park to the Buckie Community Sports Hub.
At its meeting on 25 August 2026, Moray Council’s Corporate Committee agreed to launch a statutory public consultation on a proposal from Buckie Community Sports Hub to take ownership of Merson Park and its pavilion through a Community Asset Transfer.
Merson Park forms part of the Buckie Common Good and is also classed as open space. Because of this, Moray Council is required to carry out a public consultation before any decision can be made on whether the transfer should proceed. The consultation is now open until 23 October 2026.
No decision has been taken on the future ownership of the park. The consultation is being carried out to gather views from residents, community groups and other interested parties before councillors consider the proposal at a future meeting.
The proposal from Buckie Community Sports Hub aims to secure investment in the park and pavilion, improve facilities and create new opportunities for sport, recreation and community activity. Proposed improvements include enhancements to the pavilion and public amenities, improved parking provision, floodlighting and community growing space. Longer-term ambitions include a new indoor sports hall and a 3G football pitch.
Chair of the Corporate Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, said: “Merson Park is an important community asset and a valued part of Buckie's Common Good. This consultation gives local people the opportunity to have their say on the proposal and help inform councillors before any decision is made.
“I would encourage everyone with an interest in the future of the park to take part. Whether you support the proposal, have concerns, or simply want to share your views, we want to hear from you. The consultation is an important part of the decision-making process and will help ensure that all views are considered before councillors make any final determination on the future of Merson Park.”
Feedback received during the consultation will be reviewed and presented to councillors in a future report, alongside the full details of the proposal and any agreed transfer terms. A final decision on the Community Asset Transfer will only be considered after the consultation process has been completed.
Buckie Community Sports Hub (BCSH) is an independent local charity established in 2025 by members of the community, including representatives from Buckie Rovers FC and Buckie Thistle Football Development. Its aim is to bring Merson Park into community ownership and develop it as a community sports hub serving the wider Buckie Associated School Group area, providing improved facilities and opportunities for sport, physical activity and community use for people of all ages. The organisation's long-term vision is to create ‘an active, connected and confident community’ through investment in high-quality, inclusive sports and recreational facilities.
Details of how to take part in the consultation, which is open until 23 October 2026, including response methods, are available on the Moray Engage website.