A job to protect one of the north-east’s most active harbours has finally been advertised following complaints.
Aberdeenshire Harbour was accused of “dragging its feet” at Macduff Harbour earlier this year instead of bringing in a new night watch person immediately following a retirement.
Alan West left his job at the port two months ago, but had to return on a temporary basis to help until the local authority could advertise and fill the vacancy.
The post was finally advertised this week, with the council asking prospective employees to join the team.
The council will accept applications for the 37-hour a week job until November 16.
Highlighting the position, a spokesman for the authority said: “We are currently recruiting for a night watch person to work as part of the existing harbour team to ensure the safety and security of harbour and vessels out with normal working hours.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for a self-motivated person with a maritime background.
“The harbour is currently in the midst of a regeneration process and is implementing many new facilities to ensure the port remains at the forefront of a dynamic fishing industry.”
John Clark, whose boat the Reliance II lands at Macduff, was instrumental in keeping the position within the harbour after the council originally intended to scrap it altogether last year.
He described his campaign to get the position advertised as a struggle.
He said: “Aberdeenshire Council have just given excuses, saying they are speaking to HR on advertising the position and, when I inquired, I got told the job would be advertised shortly.”
More than 1,000 people signed his petition to secure the service at the harbour.
Until the vacancy is filled, a rota has been in operation at the harbour which has allowed for it to remain fully operational.
Gavin Penman, the council’s project manager for roads and landscape services, said temporary cover was also sought.
“This is to ensure users have someone to contact outwith normal working hours should they require it,” he added.
