Fears have been raised for the safety of vessels docked in the north-east’s largest port amid plans to remove a historic crossing.
As part of a £47million redevelopment of Peterhead harbour, the port authority has proposed removing the Queenie Bridge – a drawbridge which provides access across a basin.
However, a blaze on board the 400ft Furgo Symphony survey ship, which was moored at the harbour, last week has prompted councillor Alan Buchan to call for a rethink.
Yesterday the former fisherman said: “Having fought fires at sea and gone through the fire fighting training to tackle fires on boats, I fully appreciate how dangerous these types of incidents can rapidly become and the impact they have on lives, vessels and property.”
Mr Buchan said the removal of the bridge would leave only one main access to the Queenie area of the harbour, through the exposed Roanheads section.
“The question that must be asked is how would a fleet of emergency vehicles access such emergencies on the Queenie during an easterly gale, as witnesses a couple of years ago, which saw large waves cutting off the Roanheads access?”
Last night Peterhead Port Authority’s (PPA) deputy chief executive Stephen Paterson moved to allay Mr Buchan’s concerns.
He said the removal of the crossing would allow larger fishing vessels to enter the Alexandra Basin, and that part of the Queenie Bridge is to be converted into a smaller emergency access “providing a second access point”.
Mr Paterson added: “We are confident that these plans provide safe and sufficient access to the North Base area for those working and visiting the area on a daily basis and also for emergency vehicles when this is required.”
The redevelopment of the harbour will involve dredging to create more deep-water berthing and the construction of a new auction hall to handle up to 8,000 boxes of fish.