The Harbours Sub-Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to review the Designated Person's Annual Report, the Duty Holder's Annual Performance Report, and the Harbours Work Programme for 2026-2027. Key decisions included endorsing the proposed works programme and noting the progress made in marine safety compliance.

Designated Person Annual Report

The committee received the Designated Person's Annual Report for 2026, which details the compliance status of Aberdeenshire Council's harbours with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC). The report, prepared by Marex, highlighted an improvement from previous audits, with most previous findings now closed out. The audit identified six findings for the current year: one non-conformance, three opportunities for improvement, and two observations.

Donna Van Damme from Marex presented the findings, noting that while the number of findings might seem high, it was partly due to an updated version of the PMSC and a revised audit form. She explained that the one non-conformance related to procedures for supporting safety of navigation and providing consistent procedures for those managing Local Port Services (LPS) or Vessel Traffic Services (VTS). This has since been closed out by the Harbour Master at Macduff.

Several areas were highlighted for improvement, including ensuring staff hold appropriate qualifications and training, and that the Duty Holder receives specific PMSC training. The report also noted the importance of dynamic risk assessment, with a recommendation to include it in the risk assessment procedure. Quayside inspections at Stonehaven and Macduff identified general wear and tear issues, with specific concerns raised about old ladders and rotten wood at Stonehaven, and potholes at Macduff. The committee agreed to provide comment and feedback to the Designated Person and officers, as recommended in the report.

Duty Holder Annual Performance Report

The committee reviewed the Duty Holder Annual Performance Report for 2025-2026, which summarises the management of health and safety within Aberdeenshire Council's harbours. The report uses a traffic light system to indicate the status of performance objectives, with green indicating completion, amber for in progress, and red for not started or unsatisfactory.

Simon Jessel, Principal Officer of Harbours, presented the report, highlighting that all standing objectives were met, including the annual report to the Duty Holder, review of risk assessments, and completion of audits. Annual objectives for 2025-26, such as keeping the PMSC compliance action plan under review and ensuring incidents are correctly recorded, were also reported as completed. The report detailed audit outputs, including the Designated Person's audit which showed a reduction in audited areas due to changes in the PMSC.

The report also provided statistics on incidents and accidents, categorised by severity. In 2025/26, there were 24 negligible, 3 minor, and 2 moderate incidents. A detailed log of these incidents was provided in Appendix 2. Two safety actions were identified and completed within the recommended timescales. The committee was recommended to review and discuss the findings, observe and comment on the report's format, and consider its publication on the Harbours webpage.

Harbours Work Programme 2026-2027

The committee considered the Harbours Work Programme for the financial year 2026-2027, which outlines indicative capital and revenue works for the seven harbours managed by Aberdeenshire Council. The proposed programme includes significant projects such as the restoration of the Macduff Harbour topside and fish market pier, and storm gate sill repairs at Gordon Harbour.

The Revenue Budget for 2026-27 includes £637,000 for harbours, with £313,000 available for the works programme after staffing and administrative costs. The Capital Budget includes an allowance of £1,350,000 for harbours.

Several capital projects are listed as priorities, including Macduff Harbour Topside Restoration Works (£250,000), Old Harbour Wall Repairs at Portsoy Harbour (£600,000), and Macduff Harbour Fishmarket Pier Repairs (£300,000). Reserve lists include repairs to Banff West Pier (£300,000) and Rosehearty West Breakwater Pier (£300,000), as well as the North Pier Power and Water project at Macduff (£1,000,000).

A discussion ensued regarding the Macduff electrification and water project, with Councillor Cox emphasising the need to secure external funding and highlight the economic impact. Simon Jessel explained that a feasibility study is required to provide the necessary data for grant applications, particularly concerning carbon reduction and increased revenue. Councillor Bell supported the urgency of the feasibility study to enable prompt applications for funding.

The committee was recommended to consider and endorse the Revenue and Capital Works Programmes for 2026-27 and note the reserve works lists. The committee agreed to these recommendations.