Aberdeenshire Council has been warned its plans to axe harbour watchmen from a north-east port will endanger lives.
The Scottish White Fish Association (SWFA) has today waded into the war of words between the authority and Macduff fishermen amid proposals to replace the port’s night watchmen with CCTV.
The plan has already drawn ire from local skipper John Clark who last week invited council chiefs to experience what life would be like without the role.
He has now been backed by the SWFA which represents more than 1,400 fishermen across Scotland.
Michael Park, the CEO of the group, wrote to Aberdeenshire Council yesterday.
He said the SWFA was taking a “keen interest” in the situation at Macduff and warned that the local authority had opened up the possibility of “unthinkable, unintended consequences” by not backing down.
“The most modern vessels in the country are Banff registered and use Macduff as their homeport,” Mr Park said.
“It is with some dismay that we have learned of the intention to withdraw from Macduff Harbour the support of a night watchman between the hours of 5pm and 9am.
“The fishing industry is the most dangerous in the UK by a country mile.
“Fishermen in Britain have a one in 20 chance of being killed on the job during the course of their working lives. Those involved in fishing continually concentrate on measures to reduce those odds.
“It is disappointing, therefore, to see Aberdeenshire Council, which is the centre for UK fishing, take a decision that has the potential to increase those odds.”
Mr Clark has welcomed the support.
He said: “Really, the council are acting like bullies and are putting fishermen’s lives at risk by cost cutting.
“It’s absolutely vital for Macduff to have the watchmen, so what the council is doing is unbelievable.
“When asked why the watchmen service has been taken away, the council says Macduff isn’t as busy as it used to be – but there are 23 boats here at my count. Either they are lying or are being misinformed.”
The harbour currently has two watchmen who watch over the vessels.
A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “We don’t believe that our new approach impacts on the safety of harbour users.
“We’ll be retaining a dedicated on-call member of staff 24 hours a day should support be required at Macduff.
“We will also continue to provide a fee-based pilot service for skippers looking for support in accessing the harbour.
“We are aware of the letter from the association and are in the process of arranging a face-to-face meeting to discuss their concerns.”
