Peterhead Port Authority underscores its support to the local community, detailing over £80,000 in charitable donations and sponsorships in 2025
Peterhead Port Authority (PPA) has highlighted its extensive commitment to the local community, revealing that its charitable and sponsorship donations for 2025 alone amount to over £80,000.
This substantial investment underscores the port’s role as a vital contributor to the region’s well-being.
“Punching Above Its Weight” in Community Support
Graeme Reid, Chief Executive of PPA, affirmed the Port’s dedication, stating: “Our charitable and community support is a key part of the Trust Port ethos – and that sum is a considerable amount of financial support provided for the benefit of our stakeholder community.” He added that the Port “punches well above its weight” in this regard.
Recently, a significant team of PPA employees participated in the 18-mile Deeside Kilt Walk, raising funds for their chosen charity, Shirley’s Space. This North-East Scotland based charity offers crucial support to vulnerable individuals grappling with mental health issues, providing access to trained volunteers.
Reid announced the impressive outcome: “Thanks to the efforts of our employees and the generosity of our community, the team raised just over £11,000 which has been match funded pound for pound by the Port. Therefore, just over £22,000 has been donated to the charity making this the single largest donation in the charity’s history.”
Long-Term Investment in Maritime Careers and Welfare
Beyond direct charitable donations, Peterhead Port Authority has demonstrated sustained support for key local initiatives. Since 2013, the Port has provided essential financial backing for the Trainee Deckhand course at the Scottish Maritime Academy, which is part of North East Scotland College (NESCOL). This support is critical, as without it, “the course would not be commercially viable.”
The course equips students with the necessary qualifications for deckhand positions across the Merchant Navy sector, including fishing vessels, offshore standby vessels, and wind farm support vessels. With the Academy running three courses annually and between 30-40 individuals completing the programme each year, the Port’s involvement has directly assisted over 400 students in launching their maritime careers.
PPA has also shown unwavering support for the Peterhead fishermen’s benevolent fund, informally known as the “sample fund,” for the past decade. This fund provides vital annual financial assistance to retired fishermen and their families. In 2025, PPA’s donation will push the total contributions to this fund beyond £50,000 over the years.
Supporting Local Events and Community Infrastructure
Since 2006, Peterhead Port Authority has been the sole funder of the grand finale of Peterhead Scottish Week. This week-long local gala celebrates the best of the community, involving numerous groups, charities, and social organisations, and draws thousands of visitors to the town. PPA’s support has consistently funded high-profile attractions, including the Red Arrows display for many years, with total donations for this event exceeding £70,000.
The Port also acts as a sponsor for the local football team, Peterhead FC, which achieved promotion to Scottish League One at the end of the 2024-25 season. This sponsorship commenced in 2022, and in addition to supporting the club’s prosperity, the Port provides opportunities for local charities and community stakeholders to attend home games throughout the season.
Furthermore, PPA’s community involvement extends to practical support for public health and local regeneration. This includes the maintenance and replacement of defibrillators across the town, regular financial and staff contributions to local food and toy banks, ongoing support for the Peterhead Area Community Trust (which focuses on regenerating public parks and recreational spaces), and consistent backing for initiatives from CLAN and Macmillan cancer support charities.
Source: PPA
