The Harbours Sub-Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to review the progress of the Macduff Harbour Economic Development Implementation Plan (MEDIP). The committee noted the progress made in implementing short, medium, and long-term actions, and discussed the current status and proposed prioritisation of these actions. The meeting also reviewed the reported effect of rate and dues changes implemented in September 2025.

Macduff Harbour Economic Development Implementation Plan Progress Report

The committee received an update on the Macduff Harbour Economic Development Implementation Plan (MEDIP), which aims to enhance the economic development of Macduff Harbour. The plan highlights the harbour's significant contribution to the local economy, supporting approximately 280 jobs and injecting £11.2 million annually. The MEDIP focuses on key pillars of development: operational effectiveness and efficiency, infrastructure improvements, partnership working, stakeholder engagement, and grant funding opportunities.

Significant progress has been made on short-term actions. The implementation of new rates and dues, aligned with similar commercial harbours, has led to a substantial increase in income. All harbour services are now charged at commercial rates, and electrical points on the slipway and quayside have been upgraded with meters to ensure full cost recovery. This has resulted in a year-on-year income increase of approximately £194,000. The report indicated that while income has risen, there has been no discernible increase in fish landing activity or vessel movements, with slipway utilisation remaining consistent.

Several short-term projects have been completed, including the establishment of a new out-of-hours service and the completion of a staffing review, which has led to the recruitment of additional relief harbour masters and slipway staff. The ice plant has been decommissioned and sold for parts. However, the development of a Harbour Prospectus is still in progress due to personnel changes. Projects such as investigating harbour channel depth and sea state digital systems, and the installation of wet maintenance berths, have been placed on hold due to significant funding requirements or a lack of identified need following consultation.

Medium-term projects are also being progressed. The upgrade of the slipway infrastructure is ongoing, with plans and initial costing for a second, larger cradle being discussed with Macduff Shipyards (MSY). There is potential for a key client to assist with funding for this second cradle. The investigation into the ice plant's reintegration and disposal options has been completed with the sale of the old plant to MSY. Long-term projects, including the installation of electrical meters on all service points, have been implemented early due to their importance for cost recovery. However, other long-term projects such as a covered slipway and North Pier electrification are dependent on significant funding.

During the discussion, councillors expressed concerns that the report focused heavily on operational and financial aspects, while the wider economic development plan, including attracting new businesses and supporting job creation, was less detailed. Councillor John Cox, Chair of the committee, highlighted the need for a more rounded report in future meetings, incorporating input from other council services such as property and economic development, and exploring opportunities for external funding, particularly in light of potential investment from schemes like SSE's.

Councillor Ann Bell echoed these sentiments, praising the positive financial report but seeking clarification on the no action taken items and whether they would be revisited. Councillor Richard Menard also expressed a desire for more investment and input from outside bodies, questioning the progress on the North Pier electrification.

Philip, a representative from the council's Environment and Infrastructure Services, explained that the MEDIP for Macduff was an accelerated plan and that work was ongoing to develop similar implementation plans for all seven harbours. He acknowledged the distinction between the harbour's financial performance and its wider economic impact, stating that work was underway with economic development colleagues to address this. He assured members that no action taken items would be reviewed regularly to assess changes in market demand. Regarding the pontoon issue, he clarified that consultation with the crew boat operator indicated no immediate need for a dedicated crew transfer pontoon. He also noted that the council was investing over £1.3 million in harbour infrastructure this year, primarily for essential maintenance.

Councillor Alan Turner found the report positive, particularly the early implementation of electrical meters and the progress on the slipway cradle. He questioned the remit of the marine buoy project, suggesting it might be more suited to organisations like SEPA. Philip responded that the buoy was intended to provide additional information to harbour users regarding sea state and wave conditions, aiding in safe entry to the harbour, and that external funding for this had not materialised.

The committee agreed to work on developing a more strategic overview of all seven harbours for future meetings, including agreed performance indicators and reporting formats. The electrification of the North Pier was discussed, with Philip confirming that previous funding applications had been rejected and that no identified funding route was currently available, although cost reduction measures were being explored.

The committee noted the progress in implementing the short, medium, and long-term actions within the Macduff Harbour Economic Development Implementation Plan, and considered and commented on the current status and proposed prioritisation of those actions. They also noted the reported effect of the rates and dues changes.