'First of a kind' plans to close harbour have been fraught with setbacks

Perth and Kinross Council's leader has compared the efforts to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port to sending astronauts to the moon.

- KATHRYN ANDERSON

In February 2023 councillors voted to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port butover two years laterthe port remains open despite only two vessels having used it in 2024/25.

On Wednesday, May 28 councillors voted for Perth and Kinross Council to remain statutory harbour authority and close it as a commercial port but allow leisure use of Perth Harbour.

The chairman of Perth Harbour Board - which has now been discontinued - Bailie Chris Ahern voiced his dissent at the meeting of PKC's Economy of Infrastructure Committee where the decision was made.

As the committee gave its approval, SNP council leader Grant Laing said: "Everyone can agree it's taken a lot of time but there were a lot of attempts to put someone on the moon for the first time. If you're doing something for the first time, there are going to be setbacks."

Moving it for approval, convener and deputy leader Eric Drysdale said: "The closure of a commercial harbour is not an easy option for this council or any council to take, but we have to balance the merits of continuing to run a loss-making harbour that is a drain on this council's finances against the benefits that may ensue through regeneration for leisure, tourism and nature conservation.

"Discussions with Transport Scotland have concluded that the best course would be for the council to retain the statutory harbour authority duty but cease the competent harbour authority duties which will mean excluding commercial vessels over 24m. If agreed this will go to public consultation and will be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval in due course.

"Can I also acknowledge the significant contributions made by the Harbour Board and its dedicated members over the past few years? Their efforts have been invaluable and I would like to extend the committee's thanks to them for their work."