Plans for the next phase of the expansion of a north port have been revealed to the public.
The Port of Cromarty Firth plans to reclaim up to 17 acres from the sea in an attempt to expand its facilities to attract more cruise ships and jobs to the area.
The port’s chief executive Bob Buskie said the development is needed to “safeguard the future of the Cromarty Firth”.
The latest plans are the fourth phase of the multimillion-pound development at the Invergordon.
They were put on show at Invergordon Social Club yesterday, although the proposals remain at a very early stage.
The port said they have not decided exactly what they will build, but proposals put out to public consultation included either providing an extension of the newly built berth 5, reclaiming additional laydown space or the provision of a roll-on/roll-off facility for ferries.
Among the first to view the plans yesterday were locals John and Florence Urquhart who said they were encouraged by proposals to improve the frontage of the port to make it more attractive for visitors.
Mrs Urquhart said: “We are very impressed, if its going to be good for the area and create jobs then we’ve got to support it.
“If they do what they can to create some sort of promenade and make the place look nice then that would be very welcome as well. It badly needs it.”
Another early visitor to the exhibition was Billy Kinghorn who said he supported the proposals – but said infrastructure would have to be put in place before anything was built.
He said: “They need to think about health and safety. Parking, disabled toilets and wheelchair access would need to be priority.”
The views of the public collected at the exhibitions will be revealed in the new year, with the plans needing to be signed off by Marine Scotland before work can begin.
Mr Buskie said: “It has been good to receive such positive feedback to date from a broad range of stakeholders and this process also gives us the opportunity to address any concerns.
“The next stage of the consultation process encompasses a number of elements including further public exhibitions presenting the consultation feedback from stakeholders and an environmental impact assessment.”
“It is important that the Port of Cromarty Firth looks at ways to safeguard the future of the Cromarty Firth by ensuring the appropriate level of investment into port infrastructure takes place.”
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