A past commodore of the Findochty Water Sports Club has unveiled exciting plans to turn an under-used Moray Firth harbour into a 40 berth marina. Chairman of the Portgordon Community Harbour Group Ltd., retired local businessman Ron Billing, says his are trying to do what others have done at Maidens in South Ayrshire and bring a once busy port back to life as a yachting haven.

'Our group was set up two years ago to take over and develop the long neglected harbour here at Portgordon.' Ron told us. 'We are now at a significant stage and confidence is high.'

The group's development plans for the harbour and the surrounding area have been presented to a public meeting and funding for the project has triggered some encouraging responses.

'Basically we will initially be providing a high quality, fully serviced and secure marina of 40 berths,' said the Portgordon chairman, 'The plan is to be able to offer water at all states of tide, a new slipway and a secure boat park for winter storage. Part of the plan is to develop the surrounding area with a heritage centre and clubroom facilities for the harbour users.'

'We have high hopes of this becoming one of the best facilities for yachtsmen on the Moray coast which should also provide a regeneration spur for the village as a whole.'

'It's a major project which is going to take a shed load of money to achieve, but we've had encouraging noises from funders so far and once all the legalities are tied up I'm confident things will go ahead rapidly.'

Readers interested in the Portgordon efforts and requiring more details about the proposed berths, should give Ron a ring on 01542831963