There’s been plenty going on at Fraserburgh Harbour so far this year. Read on to find out what’s been happening with us…
Fraserburgh Harbour Wins Port of the Year Award
We are delighted to announce that Fraserburgh Harbour was named Port of the Year at the Fishing News Awards earlier this month.
Our entry began with the line “Fraserburgh Harbour is a port with big ambition” and nothing could be more accurate.
The Award recognised our commitment to the future of the Harbour, town and region by maintaining and strengthening our provision to the fishing industry through the ongoing development of our visionary Harbour Masterplan, meaningful engagement with the community – including local school children of all ages – and increased stakeholder engagement.Every single member of the Harbour team has contributed to this; a huge “thank you” to you all.
Marine Fund Scotland Support
We’ve received nearly £1.2 million in grants from the Scottish Government’s Marine Fund Scotland, as part of a round of £14 million in grants made during 23/24.
The grants we received have most recently gone towards Harbour wall improvements and earlier in 2023 we received funding for a marine litter project, which we’ll be announcing soon.
In light of the continual run of storms towards the end of 2023/early 2024, the award allowed us to undertake structural repairs to the Harbour’s breakwater. This protects our Harbour from aggressive sea conditions, increases our resilience, and safeguards our operations to the benefit of our fishing industry, local community and harbourside businesses.
New Vice Convenor Announced
In February, we officially announced Councillor Doreen Mair (pictured below) as the Vice Convenor of our Board of Commissioners.
This appointment reflects Doreen’s commitment to – and passion for – the Harbour and the potential the future holds for us. Having joined the Board in 2017, she has played a key role in the development of the Masterplan since it was conceived in 2019.
As Councillor for Fraserburgh and District, there are few who could be better placed to understand the positive impact that the development of the Harbour will have upon our town and region.
Her position as Vice Convenor illustrates her role as a key driver on our journey. She applies her knowledge, enthusiasm and political acumen as we work to ensure the Harbour is a dynamic economic enabler, making major contributions not only to our community but to North Aberdeenshire as a whole – delivering long-term prosperity for everyone, safeguarding our fishing and marine servicing industries and helping to bring forth our country’s energy transition.
Thank you to Doreen for her continued support of the Harbour and our long-term future.
Showcasing Scottish Seafood
Knowing a thing or two about seafood to say the least, we were delighted to welcome an international delegation to Fraserburgh Harbour, as a part of Scotland Food & Drink’s “Showcasing Scotland Buyer Tour” focused on seafood and salmon.
Organised in conjunction with Scottish Development International and supported by The Scottish Government, 15 delegates from across the globe came to visit our fishmarket before refuelling with Heritage House Café bacon rolls and taking a guided tour of the Harbour in glorious – if chilly! – sunshine.
Developed to foster growth in sales of Scottish food and drink across international and domestic markets, whilst building a global reputation for Scotland’s exceptional produce, we thoroughly enjoyed being part of the tour, and giving our visitors an insight into the industry that has been at the heart of Fraserburgh for over 200 years.
Offshore Wind News
Scottish Offshore Wind Port Alliance is Launched
Earlier this month, leading ports across Scotland launched the Scottish Offshore Wind Ports Alliance (SOWPA), a strategic alliance and progressive forum created to optimise the opportunities from offshore wind.
Our participation in the Alliance reflects the key role the development of this country’s offshore wind industry plays within our Harbour Development Masterplan.
With significant experience in supporting the establishment of an O&M base and working with stakeholders from education to local government to achieve our clients’ objectives, we look forward to collaborating with our colleagues to optimise the opportunities in this field.
The alliance will optimise large-scale operations, enhance regional competitiveness and address common & complex industry challenges through knowledge sharing and collaboration.
SOWEC Announcement Consolidates Masterplan Belief
In April, we were pleased to share the announcement of Strategic Investment Model projects moving into Stage 2, made by the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council. To be listed as being in “progress” status validates our investment and belief in the Fraserburgh Harbour Masterplan project.
It marks yet another milestone in the delivery of a project that meets the needs of our stakeholders, existing customers and community. It will not only deliver results far beyond the Fraserburgh post code, but also complement the work being undertaken by our colleagues in ports around the country.
We look forward to having collaborative discussions directly with offshore wind developers who are interested in what Fraserburgh has to offer.
We are the right project, at the right time, in the right location – and sufficiently advanced to make a difference.
You can read the full SOWEC announcement here.
