Port Errol Harbour work gets a vital financial lifeline
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Work to save the historic but crumbling Port Erroll Harbour could get under way in the near future thanks to vital funding support from Aberdeenshire Council.
Port Erroll Harbour and Cruden Bay Trust will get a £4960 grant from the local authority to help fund a detailed survey of the harbour and pier.
The group applied for community project funding from the Buchan Area Committee Grant Scheme.
Harbour director Paula Webber said the survey is needed to address years of damage to the port following adverse weather and harsh storms.
Findings from the survey would identify any work needed to bring the small late 19th century boatyard back to a safer and more suitable condition.
It is hoped measures would be taken to protect the historic pier in the years to come too, ensuring it is fit for future generations.
A report to be issued following the inspection would provide the group with a guideline for expected repair costs.
It will also help to tell the trust how crucially important the harbour is at preventing coastal erosion and flooding in Cruden Bay.
Trust members revealed that it will cost them £6,200 to carry out the survey, which could be completed this summer.
The historic port has berths that is frequently used by commercial fishermen in their efforts to catch lobster, crab and mackerel.
The harbour and its slipway are also used by water sports fans from swimmers and surfers to paddle boarders and kayakers.
Meanwhile, the facility is regularly visited by tourists and visitors with motorhomes.
Providing a lease for the recently approved Harbour Dunes Cafe, to be built to the end of Harbour Street, will also assist with the works.
Plans for the controversial eatery were approved last year following a narrow vote, despite concerns it would destroy the village’s historic salmon drying nets.
Trust members said they were “really pleased” to hear that they had secured the funding.
Paula explained: “With the storms over the past years, the harbour walls and piers have been damaged.
“We desperately need the survey so we can then know what to prioritise.”
Members will seek support from companies that use the facility and find alternative funding for the repairs to be carried out.
Paula added: “It is great that the council recognise the importance of the coast, fishing and communities by supporting us with the funding.
“We are hoping that through the Coastal Communities funding that we will be able to refurbish the little toilet block at the harbour too.”
“We hope all visitors and our berth holders can enjoy the harbour,” she stated.
Peterhead South and Cruden councillor Stephen Smith welcomed the group’s application.
He said: “It’s well-known that the harbour infrastructure requires a great deal of work to bring it up to standard.
“The funding towards a detailed study of the harbour and pier will assist that work.”
The Port Erroll Harbour application was one of 12 to be approved by councillors recently.
The grant scheme fund was established to support a wide range of schemes across the Buchan area.
Other groups to benefit from the latest round cash include Strichen Town House Trust.
It will get £5,000 to put towards its ongoing project to extend the village building.
The group’s share of the fund will be used to demolish the existing public toilets.
Friends of Aden Country Park’s Music at Aden group will be awarded £4720 to organise a one-day folk festival in the Mintlaw park.
While Peterhead’s Apex Church will get £5000 to install a new fire alarm system.
