A new study has been launched by Aberdeenshire Council centred around the creation of new economic development plans for all seven harbours operated by the local authority.
All seven council-operated harbours in Aberdeenshire are set to be at the centre of new ‘robust economic developments plans’
The study is being led by AGCC member and leading North East economic development consultancy MKA Economics. MKA Economics has completed a wide range of studies across the North East, recently including:
- Economic Impact of Aberdeen FC new stadium plans
- Economic Impact of proposals to redevelop Canal Park in Banff
- Business Case for new investment at Glenshee
- Business Case for mountain bikes trails for Huntly Development Trust
- Business Case for the redevelopment of Transition Extreme
- Business Case for new mountain bike trails for Gravitate North East
A consultation has been launched by Aberdeenshire Council concerning plans for harbours at Macduff, Banff, Portsoy, Rosehearty, Stonehaven, Gourdon and Johnshaven.
Among those being consulted are harbour advisory groups and fishermen’s associations and harbour users.
This will include berth holders, fishermen and leisure users, a host of businesses supporting fishing, commercial, leisure and hospitality which operate in and around the harbours.
Representatives of the wider community in harbour towns and villages will also be consulted between now and the end of 2023.
Portsoy Harbour
The project is being led by MKA Economics and will incorporate the current plans the council has for facilities and the creation of fresh ones.
It aims to look at the current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats at each harbour and will consider the current economic impact of the harbours on the local economy.
Rosehearty Harbour
There will also be a key focus on the current financial sustainability of harbours, with assessments into the current model of harbour management.
Alternative models such as increased community/user management, asset transfer and commercial operators will also be considered.
Cllr Alan Turner, chair of the Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “It is vitally important that our stakeholders engage in the process, as their input will be essential in getting the facts right for all our harbour facilities.
Stonehaven Harbour
"This project will offer an analysis of the opportunities for each harbour and present a robust and evidence-based investment plan over a 5-year period.
"I would encourage everyone to look out for MKA Economics’ communications to ensure you have your say.”
Gourdon Harbour
Vice-chair Cllr Isobel Davidson added: “We have a range of harbours around the Aberdeenshire coastline which offer facilities for both the commercial and recreational markets.
"The creation of new economic development plans for each of them will help us to future-proof these harbours, identify new opportunities and ensure they remain fit-for-purpose for all our services and users.”
Johnshaven Harbour
As part of the initiative, MKA Economics will also be looking to:
- Investigate constraints for growth in economic activity around the harbours
- Assess land and facilities constraints in the harbours and investigate opportunities to address these constraints
- Investigate diversification opportunities for the harbour, including potential new uses as a specialist/niche destination for particular activities such as water sports, diving and food and drink
- Investigate investment opportunities for growth of existing operations or new activities, with particular focus on economic growth of businesses and increase in harbour revenue
- Assess how the harbour can encourage increased interaction with the sea among the wider Aberdeenshire community
Stakeholders are also welcome to contact MKA Economics directly if they wish via project coordinator Leeanne Lowden at leeanne@mka-economics.co.uk