As we move into the summer, it’s time to reflect on the first few months of 2025, and it’s been a busy time for Fraserburgh Harbour! Find out the latest news below…
Four New Commissioners Announced
We have welcomed four new commissioners to our board in the shape of (L-R) Brian Mercer, Jonathan West, Alex Pirie and Neil Kindness (not pictured). Each offers a broad spectrum of expertise spanning numerous industries:
Jonathan West, Manager of Westward Fishing Company, began his career in accountancy. He will leverage his experience to ensure that Fraserburgh Harbour plays a key role in the UK fishing industry.
Well known business leader, Brian Mercer, brings a wealth of relevant experience, including having previously assisted with the Ports of Inverness and Cromarty Firth’s successful bid for Green Freeport status.
Alex Pirie, Broch local and Head of Wells for offshore operator, Serica, will combine his knowledge of both industry and town as Commissioner, to support the delivery of the Harbour’s development.
Finally, financial consultant, Neil Kindness, who was born and raised in Fraserburgh, will apply his local knowledge and decades of financial expertise to his role as Commissioner and Finance Convener. The new commissioners are already making a positive impact on the Harbour and we wish them every success as they continue to settle into their new roles.
New Convener of Board of Commissioners
Gavin Duthie has been appointed as the new Convener for the Board of Commissioners. A Commissioner for several years, Gavin has consistently made valuable contributions to Fraserburgh Harbour. His experience in the family fishing business combined with his naval architecture and marine engineering expertise, have guided the development of the Masterplan and will continue to be pivotal to its success as he moves into his new position.
He says: “I am delighted to be representing both Fraserburgh Harbour and the fishing industry, as I continue to help drive the Harbour Development Masterplan. Our new board members represent an impressive range of capabilities and it is a pleasure to know I will be steering such a committed, accomplished team over the coming years.”
We wish Gavin all the best as Convener of the Board of Commissioners and extend our sincere thanks to his predecessor, William Whyte, for his commitment to the role, before stepping down in December 2024.
Harbour Stakeholders Roundtable
In April, we welcomed key Harbour stakeholders from a wide range of industries, organisations and UK & Scottish governments to join a roundtable discussion, hosted at the Harbour. Throughout the session, it was clear that the Masterplan is viewed as vital infrastructure, for not only Fraserburgh but for Scotland’s broader development. The positivity surrounding this initiative is encouraging and we look forward to continuing to work with our stakeholders to power the Masterplan.
Telling the Fraserburgh Story at the Offshore Wind Conference
Kicking off the year, our Harbour Development Manager Pamela Neri, spoke at Scottish Renewables’ Offshore Wind Conference in January. She highlighted the Harbour’s current work in offshore wind as well as our future ambitions, including the Harbour development strategy.
Masterplan Support from Politicians
We continue to benefit from overwhelming support for the Harbour’s development strategy from our local politicians. Following April’s roundtable, Liam Kerr MSP, Karen Adam MSP, Harriet Cross MP and Seamus Logan MP noted in a letter of support, shared with Holyrood and Westminster, the impact the development will have on the local and national economy…
“We have all been following the development of the project closely; the benefits for Fraserburgh and the North East are clear to see. Furthermore, we believe the masterplan will provide sustainable economic growth for a wide area through the diversification of the harbour business model.
“The Harbour Masterplan is not just a transformative development for Fraserburgh and the surrounding areas including Banff and Macduff, indeed for the North East coast, but one that delivers towards Scotland’s priorities more widely, in that it incorporates progressive plans for a sustainable future that will contribute greatly in delivering prosperity for everyone.
“It supports the traditional fishing and vessel repair industries, while seizing upon new opportunities being made available in the new renewables sector and facilitating a new cruise/visitor economy in an area of Scotland that is often forgotten.”
Incredible support from our political stakeholders, for which we thank them sincerely.
Developing Tourism…
A few of weeks ago, we celebrated National Fish and Chip Day in the most suitable way possible, as Harbour Master, Shane Wood and Harbour Development Manager, Pamela Neri headed to The Captain’s Table to meet Lynda McGuigan of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and Chair of Discover Fraserburgh.
All three have a passion to increase visitor numbers to the town and its surrounding area, and it was fitting that they caught up with each other just hours after the SilverSea Silver Wind cruise ship paid us a visit. We live in a unique part of the world, and we’re so proud to call the Broch our home. We want everyone to benefit from the opportunities the Harbour can offer to promote this area, and we’ll be collaborating with Lynda on the development of cruise tourism as the months progress. Watch this space!
National Fishing Remembrance Day
Last month, our Harbour Master, Captain Shane Wood was honoured to participate in our local National Fishing Remembrance Service, held in Cairnbulg. This important day in our calendar is one of reflection and commemoration of all those who have lost their lives while working in the UK fishing industry.
Statistically, fishing is one of the most dangerous professions in the UK, with 11,000 people working on fishing vessels in a harsh and unpredictable environment to bring ashore much needed seafood. And so this was also an opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of fishing as a profession to a wider audience, and highlight the safety management systems and improvements to working practices which are key to keeping people safe, and families and communities together.
Property Lease for Sale
The lease of the privately-owned Charles Tait Building (100 Shore Street), which is situated within Fraserburgh Harbour-owned grounds, is for sale due to retirement.
Charles Tait Building Details
1. Buildings are close to the quayside with direct line of sight on to the North Pier
2. Rear of building is directly in front of area where many boats mend their nets
3. The building has potential to be developed into either offices, workshop or warehousing
4. The central Harbour location in Fraserburgh gives a business high levels of visibility and opportunity for a positive corporate image in the community.
The full property schedule is available to view here
Inspiring the Next Generation – Letter of Support from Fraserburgh Academy
We’ve worked closely with Fraserburgh Academy for a number of years, always with the objective of ensuring the next generation understands and is ready for the opportunities the Harbour presents. We were therefore delighted to receive a visit and letter of support from Academy pupils, highlighting the importance of the Harbour to our young people, their careers and future.
Senior Academy pupils wrote: “We are writing to express our full support for the Fraserburgh Harbour expansion project. As representatives of our school and community, we understand the huge impact this development will have on the future of young people in Fraserburgh.”
