A Montrose man”s plans to convert an old water tank into a family home is to feature on one of the UK”s most popular daytime TV shows.
A film crew from BBC’s Homes Under the Hammer series have followed Robert Rodgers and his vision for the circular, reinforced concrete reservoir currently lying empty on a cliff top site at Fraserburgh.
Mr Rodgers (47), who lives in a “normal” house in Baird Way, settled in Montrose 25 years ago and admits he has been involved in some quirky renovations in the past.
He was the sole bidder when the tank came up for auction but failed to meet the guide price of between £25,000 and £30,000.
The tank was built in 1943 and at one time held up to 500,000 gallons of water.
After discussions with the auctioner, he paid a “little below” the asking price.
“I had been looking for something similar for a long time-a semi-subterranean, eco-type house,” said Mr Rodgers.
The film crew and presenter Martin Roberts approached Mr Rodgers after the sale and travelled with him to Fraserburgh last week.
“They were impressed with the location and my plan for the building,” said Mr Rodgers, who admitted the prospect of moving to Buchan was a little daunting.
“I am settled in Montrose. I have my family and friends.
“But I don’t think I will be short of visitors. It’s a special location and its going to be a spectacular home.
“The film crew will be back at the halfway point to see how things progress.”
Mr Rodgers hopes that he can get permission for amendments to the plans the original owner had for the tank and building warrants that will enable work to start on the conversion next spring.
He said, “I’ve been running around in circles most of my life so it is appropriate that I should end up living in a circular home.”