Euro-MP & Councillors Seeking Harbour Funding

Euro-MP Ian Hudghton was briefed by local councillors on the funding needs of Cruden Bay Harbour when he stopped off at the village as part of his surgery tour of East Aberdeenshire last week.

Local SNP councillors Stuart Pratt and Stephen Smith toured the harbour with Mr Hudghton pointing out the need for repair works to be carried out to maintain the integrity of the structure. In common with many smaller harbours around the North-east, Cruden Bay is a popular facility for visitors and locals alike but funding repairs and maintenance on the scale required presents a challenge.

Mr Hudghton explained he had already been made aware of the situation at the harbour by Councillor Stephen Smith and said it’s something he will look into. He said:

Cllr Stuart Pratt & Ian Hudghton MEP

“I’m aware that Councillor Smith has taken note of the situation and we will put our heads together and see if we can come up with a resolution. My personal view is that this tremendous network of harbours, which at one time were bustling, should be kept in good repair. And all levels - whether it be government at local, national or European - should make every effort to do so.

“You can see just by the traffic that the Cruden Bay harbour is an attraction to the locals.”

Councillor Stephen Smith said:

“The harbour is a tremendous asset to the village and I’m pleased our MEP took time to include Cruden Bay among the places he was visiting on his surgery tour.

“Ian has undertaken to look and see what potential sources of European funding might be available to assist the local community in their efforts to repair and maintain the harbour."

Councillor Stuart Pratt added:

“The harbour area and indeed the harbour itself was very busy when we visited, which was good to see. It just serves to underline how important the facility is to local people and visitors to the area.”