A north-east harbour’s new boss is aiming to forge ahead with a vital £49million redevelopment scheme.
Project manager Ian Laidlaw will succeed John Wallace as Peterhead Port Authority (PPA) chief executive in the summer.
And he said last night that delivering a major revamp of the harbour and securing the town’s economic future was his top priority.
Mr Laidlaw, who will become chief executive designate on June 1 and move into the hotseat the following month, said he had “big shoes” to fill but was relishing the challenge.
PPA is aiming to deepen Peterhead’s inner harbours and build a new fish market, allowing an already booming port to attract even bigger boats and handle up to 9,000 boxes of fish every day.
There is also the chance to reclaim 43,000sq yards of land for further development using material dredged from the harbour deepening.
But the plans all hinge on securing a grant from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
Mr Wallace has said the new auction hall and other improvements will “future-proof” Peterhead port for generations to come.
Last night, his successor said a successful EMFF application would pave the way for a major transformation, and he was excited by the chance to drive the project forward.
He added: “John is a great guy and his are big shoes to fill but he has left the port in fantastic shape.
“I want to see this project progressed and completed on time and on budget.”
Mr Laidlaw, 54, said he had no idea when PPA would find out if its bid for cash has been successful, but work could be completed within 18 months to make sure the port – Europe’s biggest for white fish – remains at the forefront of the industry for the rest of the century.
His elevation to the port’s top job continues a working relationship with PPA and before that Peterhead Bay Authority stretching back more than 20 years.
Currently based in Edinburgh, where he runs his own project management business, he and his wife Alison are now planning a move to the north-east.
Mr Laidlaw was key in delivering PPA’s £33million Smith Quay development in 2011 on time and on budget, and he was also involved in the earlier construction of the port’s Princess Royal jetty.
An estimated £170million of business passed through Peterhead harbour in 2014, and independent research has shown it supports 9,500 jobs and brings in £800million to the Scottish economy.