Work to complete a new pontoon marine at Fraserburgh will be key to the future diversification of the town’s economy, community leaders said last night.
Harbour master Andrew Ironside said the new development would bring something different to the port as commissioners continue their efforts to attract new business.
The latest project at the harbour follows the £8million deepening of the Black Sands to create a new quay.
Mr Ironside said: “Although most of the pontoon spaces have been allocated, there is a waiting list which seems to be growing as we speak. However, we are keeping dedicated spaces for visiting yachts and pleasure craft – especially over the summer months.
“The commissioners, especially myself, feel it is excellent for the community. It adds something different to the port as well.
“The harbour will continue to investigate diversifying. That will include, on the back of the deepening project, trying to attract more business from the supply and standby industry.
“We also see the port continuing to support the traditional fishing industry.”
Local councillor Brian Topping, who has been a commissioner of the harbour for 28 years, welcomed progress on the scheme.
He said: “Diversification is so important because the fishing industry is, sadly, in a gradual decline.
“The harbour is vitally important to the whole economy of the town. If we get even a slice of the work for renewables it will safeguard current jobs and will, hopefully, create jobs in and around the town.
“Having the pontoons for small boats will bring people in. It’s finance for the harbour and if the crews are coming onshore to go to the shops, it’s money that will be spent in the town.”
Gaelforce Varis, the firm installing the pontoons, is expected to hand over the completed marina for use in the new year. The work has created 26 new berths.
Earlier this year, harbour commissioners signed a memorandum of understanding with turbine developer Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd which has been granted permission for 186 turbines in the outer Moray Firth.
It is hoped Fraserburgh will be chosen as a preferred location to support the scheme.