Leisure plan for former Highland yard near Ardersier

THE former McDermott oil fabrication yard near Ardersier could be reborn in a different guise.

Port of Ardersier Ltd has applied to Highland Council for renewal of planning permission in principle for a residential and leisure development on the site.

This includes housing, a marina, boat yard, yacht club, visitor centre, nature conservation zones and hotel along with community facilities and a sewage treatment plant.

Over the years there have been various plans drawn up to bring the site back into use.

The oilyard at Whiteness on the Moray Firth opened in the early 1970s and at its height employed about 4500 people. It closed in 2001.

Ardersier Port Ltd has previously given the council notice that it may seek permission for construction work including dredging a channel, quay realignment and the erection of industrial and storage buildings to offer services to the energy sector.

The renewal of planning permission in principle for the residential and leisure development is currently being considered.

A public drop-in event on the proposal is planned for Ardersier War Memorial Hall on a date still to be confirmed.

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