A Rosehearty group is pushing ahead with ambitious plans to improve the village harbour.
The Rosehearty Harbour and Inshore Fisheries Association (RHIFA) was set up in October to help protect the livelihoods of local fishermen.
It is working with the council and the North East of Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group (NESFLAG) to improve the port.
The team has been busy over the past few months drumming up support as part of a funding bid to secure about £80,000 from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The P&J newsletter
The money would go towards the costs of new ladders at the west pier, a mechanised davit and an ice machine.
RHIFA chairman David Whyte said the group had now applied for the funding, and the bid had been supported by different organisations from the village and beyond.
Mr Whyte said: “We’ve put quite a lot of work into this and have submitted more than 80 documents.
“We’ve had support from the council, the kirk and local politicians.
“The total for the projects is £87,500 and we’re hoping to secure around 80% of that through the EMFF.
“The developments we want to complete are among six projects we have identified as key priorities for the harbour.”
The group has already raised £6,000 to go towards the harbour improvements.
North-east Conservative MSP Peter Chapman said he was “impressed” with the vision for the port.
He said: “The association committee is in the final stages of submitting a grant application for several harbour-associated projects including a powered davit and an ice machine.
“The group is seeking funding from the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund to ensure the long-term viability of the port.
“The improvements proposed are practical and could provide a real boost – not just to the harbour itself but to the wider community in Rosehearty.”
