Aberdeenshire Council approves new service charges at Macduff Harbour, generating £86,000 annually to support maintenance and sustainability
Aberdeenshire Council has approved a new set of service charges at Macduff Harbour, a move expected to generate an additional £86,000 a year and align fees with those at other regional ports.
The changes, approved on 10 September by the Harbours Sub-Committee, follow a review of income generation under the Macduff Harbour Economic Development Implementation Plan 2025. The process included consultation with harbour users and commercial operators, with councillors arguing that the adjustments will provide a fairer and more stable financial framework.
Aligning With Neighbouring Ports
Historically, certain harbour services at Macduff were offered free or at below-market rates. The revised fees end those practices and bring charges in line with neighbouring harbours, creating what the Council describes as a “consistent charging structure” across Aberdeenshire.
Full details of the updated fees and charges are available on the Aberdeenshire Harbours website.
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Sustainable Cost Recovery
The Council says the additional income will go directly towards harbour maintenance, cost recovery and future development, while ensuring professional services are charged in proportion to their use by commercial clients.
Harbours Sub-Committee chair John Cox said: “The success of our harbours depends on cooperation with all harbours and we want to ensure the north-east corner remains competitive and is a strong attraction for both tourism and commercial traffic in the future.
“Macduff Harbour continues to be a vital asset for both the local and regional economy and the changes to our fees will help safeguard the long-term sustainability of the port while also ensuring fairness and consistency across other harbours.
“We have been very clear that Aberdeenshire Council remains wholly committed to Macduff Harbour, its users and commercial operators and by recovering appropriate costs now, we are investing in the harbour’s future and supporting the services our marine sector relies upon.”
Oversight And Harbourmaster Appointment
The Harbours Sub-Committee, which acts as Duty Holder under the Port Marine Safety Code, will continue to review all rates and dues annually, or within the financial year if required.
Cllr Cox also confirmed the appointment of Liam Gray as the new Area Harbourmaster (North), based at Macduff. He succeeds Duncan Mackie and will oversee operations at Portsoy, Banff, Macduff and Rosehearty harbours.
