A north-east fishing community has applauded a move to relax local landing regulations and encourage skippers to bring home bigger catches.
The decision by Marine Scotland to allow vessels to land more than two tonnes of sensitive species including cod and hake could preserve the long-term future of Macduff harbour.
At the moment, skippers have to unload some of their catch at other ports before they return to Macduff. But it is believed the new scheme will allow larger trawlers to use the port.
John Clark, from the local branch of the Scottish White Fish Producers Association, described the decision as “absolutely great news”.
He said: “This has the possibility to bring a lot of needed revenue into Macduff harbour.
“It seems there will be no more having to land catches in other ports en route to taking our boats home to Macduff.”
The deal was struck between harbour officials and Marine Scotland and brings to an end regulations which have been in force for more than a decade.
Local harbour officer Duncan Mackie described the move as positive for the harbour and local fishermen alike.
He added: “This is one of the many innovations Macduff harbour is currently working on to regenerate the harbour, ensuring customers are offered the best range of services possible.”
He argued that the relaxed rules will bring benefits along with new parking spaces and efforts to recycle discarded fishing gear.
Local councillor, Mark Findlater, is the chairman of the harbour’s advisory board and said last night: “The Macduff masterplan is in full flow and this all adds to the regeneration of Macduff and its wonderful working harbour, as well as being a boon for the local fishing industry.
“Having a skip now at the harbour is brilliant and it will be well used as part of the Fishing for Litter scheme.
“All fishermen in the north east are great custodians of the sea and I am sure they will use this facility well.”
Under the new guidelines, trawlers will still be required to give Marine Scotland the standard notification period when landing fish at Macduff.