Driving forward plans to develop long-term economic sustainability of Macduff Harbour
Aberdeenshire Council is driving forward with its plans to develop the long-term economic sustainability of Macduff Harbour.
Earlier this year the council’s harbours sub-committee endorsed the move to concentrate efforts on developing a comprehensive plan for Macduff Harbour which will explore opportunities to adjust service charges, attract high-value users and secure necessary financial inputs to reverse the current operating deficit.
The sub-committee met recently to agree the first key phases within its economic development implementation plan.
The document set out short medium and long term actions to support current activity at the harbour, attract new high value customers, and ultimately generate additional income for the harbour:
- Short-term (12-month) measures are a direct response to the economic stability of the harbour and include a full review of local port services to bring them in line with industry standards
- Medium-term (1-3 year) measures focus on projects and initiatives that require further consultation on project development
- Long-term (3-5 year) measures consider major infrastructure projects that require significant additional investigations to develop outline business cases, and identification of potential funding streams
Funding opportunities to support the major projects set out in the implementation plan are already being investigated by the council’s Economic Development service.
Cllr John Cox, chair of the harbours sub-committee, said: “I’m very pleased with the recommendations agreed by the Harbours Sub-Committee. This marks a vital step forward in securing the future of Macduff Harbour as a strategically important port for shipbuilding, marine services, and local employment. Continued investment in the harbour will not only sustain but grow opportunities for businesses across the region. The economic benefits from increased activity at the harbour will benefit a wide range of industries and help strengthen our coastal economy.
“We must also recognise the critical role Macduff plays in the seafood sector. Thousands of jobs across the seafood supply chain depend on the catch landed by our fishing fleet. Supporting our harbour means supporting the livelihoods of those who are directly and indirectly employed or provide services. This is about more than infrastructure – it’s about investing in our people, our economy and our future.”
Macduff Harbour is recognised as the cornerstone of the council’s seven local harbours, generating approximately 70% of overall harbour income, albeit also accounting for 75% of total expenditure.
A recent economic report highlighted that the harbour contributes around £11.2 million annually to the local economy and supports an estimated 280 jobs. This substantial economic impact underscores the necessity of putting Macduff Harbour on a sustainable financial footing. Figures indicate that while income from the slipway remains robust and on target, other revenue streams such as fish landing fees and harbour dues have seen significant declines over the past two decades.
This mixed performance has driven the need to recalibrate the focus of harbour activites, the services provided and the charges levied to deliver a robust revenue model to ensure future viability. Close dialogue continues with harbour stakeholders around identification of short, medium and long term measures for the facility.