New service charges approved to strengthen Macduff Harbour’s future
Aberdeenshire Council has approved changes to service charges at Macduff Harbour which will bring fees into line with other commercial harbours across the region and generate around £86,000 in additional annual income.
The decision taken by the Harbours Sub-Committee follows a comprehensive review of income generation at the port as part of the Macduff Harbour Economic Development Implementation Plan 2025.
This has also been assisted by considerable consultation with both harbour users and commercial operators to provide a more stable trading environment and a firm financial footing.
Taking effect from today (Sept 10) the new rates will help place the harbour on sustainable cost-recovery terms, ensuring that professional services are charged in line with levels of service provision used by commercial clients.
Full details of the new fees and charges are available at: https://www.aberdeenshireharbours.co.uk/macduff/harbour-info/fees/
Historically, some services have been provided free of charge or at below-market rates, however the new adjustments will eliminate such practices and align Macduff with neighbouring harbours, thereby helping to establish a fairer, more consistent charging structure across the region.
Councillors heard that the new income will directly support harbour maintenance, cost recovery and future development opportunities, creating a more stable trading environment for all marine clients operating in Aberdeenshire’s commercial ports.
Harbours Sub-Committee chair Cllr John Cox said: “The success of our harbours depends on cooperation with all harbours and we want to ensure the north-east corner remains competitive and is a strong attraction for both tourism and commercial traffic in the future. Macduff Harbour continues to be a vital asset for both the local and regional economy and the changes to our fees will help safeguard the long-term sustainability of the port while also ensuring fairness and consistency across other harbours.
“We have been very clear that Aberdeenshire Council remains wholly-committed to Macduff Harbour, its users and commercial operators and by recovering appropriate costs now, we are investing in the harbour’s future and supporting the services our marine sector relies upon.”
The statutory harbour authority collects dues and charges that enables it to discharge its statutory functions. By introducing these revised rates and dues, Macduff Harbour will be better positioned to meet industry-best practice standards and provide adequate resources for safe and efficient operations.
The Harbours Sub-Committee – acting as Duty Holder under the Code – will continue to review all rates and dues annually or within the financial year if required.
Cllr Cox also welcomed the appointment of Liam Gray as the new Area Harbourmaster (North) who will be based at Macduff. Liam takes over from well-known Harbourmaster Duncan Mackie and takes on responsibility for Portsoy, Banff, Macduff and Rosehearty Harbours.