Scottish harbours to get £1m repairs funding

By FRANK URQUHART
Published on 08/02/2013 11:35

SEVEN harbours around Scotland’s coast which were damaged in December’s major storm surge are to benefit from a £1 million package of funding from the Scottish Government for emergency repairs.

The storms, which were caused by an unusual combination of south easterly gales, low pressures and high tides, were described as the worst in decades and caused damage across Scotland.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The funding will be used towards the costs to repair harbours, sea walls, and quaysides to ensure fisheries harbours remained operational. Talks are ongoing with other harbours who have been affected by storm damage.”

Richard Lochhead, the Scottish Environment Secretary, said: “When I, and other Scottish Ministers, visited harbours around Scotland in the aftermath of the recent storms, the extent of the damage which had been caused was clearly evident. However what was also evident was the reaction of those affected and the sense of community spirit on show in the clean up work.

“To do our part, the Scottish Government has been working closely with the local authorities and agencies too assess the full impact and I would like to thanks all those involved for their hard work. This funding will go towards vital walls and piers and ensure the harbours will be repaired as quickly as possible.”

The Government has allocated payments of up to £250,000 to Peterhead and Wick harbours, payments of up to £100,000 to Lybster, Dunbar and Balintore, £50,000 to Portmahomack and £23,650 to Lossiemouth.

The spokesman added: “Additional work is continuing in respect of Fraserburgh harbour to identify damage and costs”