The boss of a north-east harbour believes a planned “future-proofing” redevelopment will keep it at the top of Europe’s white fish charts.
Peterhead Port Authority is in the final stages of thrashing out the huge contract to deepen the inner harbour and build a new auction hall.
Harbour officials will meet contractors today to finalise the details of the scheme, and will apply for funding from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) in January.
And last night the port authority’s outgoing chief executive said he was convinced the ambitious project would safeguard Peterhead’s economic future.
John Wallace said the scheme would allow the already booming harbour to attract even bigger boats and handle up to 9,000 boxes of fish at the market every day.
The 64-year-old, who has announced he will leave his post in July, said: “If we get a successful tender and can couple it with the EMMF grant, then all being well I should have this project up and running by the time I leave.
“That’s my goal. Then I’ll know that I’ve done everything I possibly could for the harbour.
“We are very confident this will reinvigorate and reinvent the inner harbours so we can continue to compete in the European market for both white fish and pelagic fish.”
As well as increasing the capacity for trawlers, the development will leave 50,000sq ft of space for oil and gas decommissioning work in the future.
Mr Wallace, who was appointed as chief executive of the newly-formed Peterhead Port Authority nearly a decade ago, added: “I believe oil and gas will pick up, but even the downside – decommissioning – can benefit the port.
“This project will position us as one of the key players in the field. We are future-proofed. We are the top-grossing port in the UK and potentially in Europe.”
Last year alone £170million of business passed through Peterhead harbour, and independent research has revealed that in the wider industry, it supports 9,500 jobs and brings in £800million to the Scottish economy.
During his tenure as chief executive, Mr Wallace has overseen the £33million project to create the Smith Embankment, a new deep water berth backed by the Scottish government and opened in 2011 by then-first minister Alex Salmond.
Before his time in Peterhead, Fraserburgh man Mr Wallace chaired the board of harbour commissioners in his home town – deepening the harbour, installing a dry dock and constructing the UK’s first commercial ship lift.
And he was keen to stress that it has been a team effort.
Mr Wallace said: “The team revolutionised the harbours, bringing them into the 21st century.
“Hopefully by time I retiree the project is up and running, contractors are on site and work is under way so I can drift off with my grandsons and enjoy their youth while I’m still able to do so.”