New vision for future of Portgordon Harbour

New vision for future of Portgordon Harbour

18 March 2021

A new agreement between Crown Estate Scotland and a local community group signals a future vision for Portgordon Harbour. 

The harbour is currently part of the Scottish Crown Estate, managed by Crown Estate Scotland. Portgordon Community Harbour Group Ltd (PCHG) has signed a memorandum of understanding, which will see both organisations working toward a transfer of ownership to the Community Harbour Group by the end of 2023.

This would see the harbour itself and potentially other property within the village pass into the hands of the local community, so that local people can press ahead with their own plans for the regeneration and development of their home. 

The new agreement is the culmination of several years of work which saw PCHG and the wider community carry out a Planning for Real exercise in 2017, and Crown Estate Scotland employ consultants Stuart Parsons Ltd to develop options for greater community involvement in managing the harbour.

Plans are now being made to establish a Harbour Management Advisory Group, which will help guide progress toward a successful transfer in 2023. 

Simon Hodge, Chief Executive of Crown Estate Scotland, said: 

“We’re committed to helping communities take a greater role in managing local assets. This new agreement represents a significant step towards transfer of ownership and we are excited to have reached this point. 

“We have greatly appreciated all the work put into reaching this agreement by the local community in Portgordon, and we look forward to working closely in the coming years to help make the community’s vision a reality.”

Scott Sliter, of PCHG, said:

“We at PCHG couldn't be more pleased with the progress made toward advancing the community’s goals, within just four years of consultations. 

"We have a real sense now that our desired outcomes are achievable, and the whole community is rallying behind our plan to regenerate the heart of Portgordon through the harbour estate. Amazing and creative opportunities lie ahead for the village.”  

Latest news