Fraserburgh Harbour’s transformation over the next two decades will deliver major benefits to the town, councillors said yesterday.
Members of the Banff and Buchan Area Committee unanimously backed a masterplan for its regeneration – doing so with significant enthusiasm.
They believe the changes proposed by Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners will help grow the town’s economy and deliver new jobs.
Contained within the document are proposals for an extension to the breakwater and the construction of a new deep-water basin at the south end of the harbour.
It also includes proposals for deepening the Faithlie harbour, improving access to the fish market, widening the entance to Balaclava harbour and improving the ship lift facility.
The Commissioners believe the plan will address concerns about access to the harbour and enable larger vessels to gain access to Fraserburgh in the future.
Aberdeenshire Council planning officer Jim Martin presented the report to councillors and said the masterplan contained “numerous elements allowing for the expansion of the Fraserburgh Harbour area” and would give it the flexibility to change and adapt to meet future needs.
Councillor Brian Topping described the document was “exciting” and said he was filled with anticipation for the future.
He said: “As a former harbour commissioner, I can say they are very forward thinking and appreciate the importance of the harbour to the town’s economy, jobs and its ability to attract businesses.
“Moray Offshore Wind Farm will bring improvements as well going forward.”
Charles Buchan, meanwhile, rehearsed the history of the harbour, noting that “Fraserburgh was made from stone while Aberdeen was still nothing but mud”.
He said: “This is very important in terms of the need to improve the town.
“I actually think that on top of this we should allow some of the land we have ring-fenced for housing to be used for commercial purposes.”
Committee chairman Andy Kille added: “The harbour is an essential part of the community.
“Along with increased processing and fishing opportunities as we leave the Common Fisheries Policy, this will give our town a real boost.”
