Scrabster harbour said yesterday it is reaping the benefits of years of investment and increased demand from the energy sector after recording record revenues.
More than £35million has been invested in the harbour over the last 10 years and there are plans to pump another £15million plus into infrastructure development there.
Two years ago Scrabster Harbour Trust, which operates the Caithness port, spent £17.6million on transforming the old fish market pier into what is now the Jubilee Quay to attract work from the oil and gas, marine and renewables sectors.
Last year the trust took delivery of a new tug to cope with demand for space at the port from increasingly large vessels.
The strategy is paying off at Scrabster, which saw revenues rise 16% to £2.8million for 2014/15, while provisional pre-tax profits sit just below £500,000.
Some 2,147 vessels used the harbour during the last financial year, an increase of 6% year-on-year, a spokeswoman for the trust said.
Overall port revenues in the first two months of the current financial year are up just 1%, though energy related income has soared 260% year-on-year thanks to increased activity west of Shetland.
The trust’s manager, Sandy Mackie, hailed the improved revenue figure and vowed to build on the development work done so far.
He said: “It is a very exciting time for us here at Scrabster Harbour. We have been consistently ambitious in our vision for the harbour and local area. Improved infrastructure compliments our strategic location, quality supply chain and competitive port prices.
“The draft financial results for 2014/15 shows that the strategy is already reaping dividends for the port and the wider economy.”
“The past year has seen an increase in vessel arrivals, vessel tonnages and the volume of cargo handled at the port.
“The increase in revenue is great news for us and we will strive to continue the good work we have so far put in.”
The trust has also invested in marketing and re-launched its website to give the port a more modern image, Mr Mackie said.