The councillors have agreed to create a marina at Buckie which would provide a welcome boost for the town in the wake of the downturn of the fishing industry. Options to provide a possible 82 berths through installing pontoons in basin three of the harbour, were backed at today’s meeting of Moray’s economic development and infrastructure committee.
Cuncillor Gordon McDonald, who represents the town, said it was important action was taken now. He added that Buckie has been studied to death. He also told since 1997 there have been five studies done. Everyone is united in their view the harbour is at the heart of Buckie. The authorities have to look at the package as a whole and see how the rest of the harbour fits together, with fishing, cargo and the lifeboat – all will have to work together.
The council is looking for funding of this project as the capital costs of the project is much higher. The council is also investigating drawing down European support, interest will also be invited from the private sector on providing and operating marina facilities. Councillor McDonald suggested the Buckie Common Good Fund be looked at as a possible way of financing the harbour development, with revenue generated being used to pay back the fund.
