Cromarty Harbour access wrangle set to be raised at Highland Council Black Isle ward meeting as reasons for move are revealed
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A GATE barring access to a Black Isle harbour was installed to curb overcrowding and antisocial behaviour and to ensure the sustainable future operation of the 240-year-old landmark.
So says Cromarty Harbour Trust chairman Colin Dickie who has sought to explain the reasoning behind a move that has attracted flack.
The harbour, run by a few volunteers, has commercial contracts with wildlife tour operator Eco Ventures and Highland Ferries as well as leisure users.
Black Isle councillor Morven-May MacAllum is to raise the access row at the next ward meeting.
She said: “I have received a few emails about this and I have brought it to the agenda for our meeting next week in order for it to be discussed.”
The Trust meanwhile says that cleaning up discarded fish hooks, fish guts and beer cans are amongst the tasks of volunteers with some fishing for mackerel “on an industrial scale” at peak times of the season and ongoing concerns over public liability insurance and health and safety.
Mr Dickie – who this week said the Trust had responded to concerns by agreeing to open the gate between 6.30pm and 9.30pm each evening – said trustees have a duty of care and confirmed there had been complaints from commercial users. Admitting he was disappointed with the level of pushback, he said he had received supportive messages too from people who understood the challenges.
The decision to restrict access was made last year and flagged in advance via the community council and a local newsletter.
In a statement online, he said: “Proving that we volunteers at the harbour aren’t tin-eared, access to the outer harbour area has been reviewed and in the coming days, the gate will open every evening between 6.30pm until 9.30pm.
“This coincides with cessation on daily commercial activities within the harbour. Prior to closure each evening, a volunteer will inspect and ensure that the harbour is good for the following day.
“Clearly, this is another burden on the small volunteer force, so please do not hesitate in assisting us with this chore. The more people help us navigate our way through this, the better it will be for everyone. We will continue to review the situation as it develops through the mackerel season.”
It’s understood the harbour’s income is around £10,000, leaving just £5000 for maintenance after bills and insurance. Through fundraising and grants it has managed to oversee capital improvements worth
£1 million but says “there is no financial slack”.
Mr Dickie pledged that access would be kept under review but appealed for understanding.
Concerns had been aired via online community groups.
One caller brought up in the town and upset over the use of a gate said: “The harbour has been part of the community and people’s childhoods for generations. If there is a problem let’s try and deal with it.”
Toria Anderson on a community Facebook page said: “The town is in uproar about the gate. Quite rightly so.”
Appealing for a mutually acceptable solution, she said: “It is clear that Cromarty residents like the harbour being open and accessible at all times and I’m sure Cromarty would come together and back the harbour trust if there is a way to have that happen?”
