An election candidate has warned that the controversial move to ditch night watchmen from Macduff harbour is jeopardising the economic future of the town.
Aberdeenshire Council is currently reviewing whether or not to reverse a decision to scrap the post at the town’s port.
The policy has provoked a fierce backlash from local fishermen, who argue that having a harbour employee on duty through the night is vital for safety.
A report from council officers is due to be published next month.
But now, SNP candidate for the Banff and Buchan constituency Eilidh Whiteford – who joined campaigner John Clark aboard his vessel Reliance II this week – has warned the row has put the economic future of Macduff under threat.
She said: “This is primarily a safety issue. Even in daylight with perfect weather conditions, the entrance to Macduff harbour is challenging for vessels.”
Fish landings in the town have increased since Marine Scotland loosened restrictions on the harbour in November. The change was part of a wider campaign to regenerate the town’s economy.
Mrs Whiteford, who is seeking re-election in Banff and Buchan, added: “At a time when the council has been putting huge efforts into regenerating Macduff and the surrounding area, it would be entirely counterproductive to undermine these efforts by removing essential personnel who enable commercial fishermen to land safely.”
Last night, Mr Clark, who first raised this issue earlier this year, welcomed the renewed support for his campaign.
The skipper said: “It is a huge bonus to be able to land our catches in Macduff. The watchmen can come down to guide us into harbour. We had 26 tonnes aboard the other day and it’s not easy to steer a boat like that without the watchman and a rope.”
He added that his last landing of 520 boxes netted the local authority more than £1,000 in fees.
Conservative candidate, David Duguid, who has previously spoken with the skippers said Mrs Whiteford was “a bit late to the table” on the issue, but agreed the loss of the watchmen would “create a major safety issue for fishermen docking after dark”.
Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure director, Stephen Archer, has said the June report will give local elected officials the opportunity to discuss the changes.
