麻豆精选

A specialist ports consultant has been appointed to develop a long-term strategic plan for Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) in Caithness.

WHA has secured 拢47,775 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (麻豆精选) and the Nuclear Restoration Services, NRS Dounreay towards the cost of the services.

The appointment will help ensure the harbour capitalises fully on recent improvement works. This includes the 拢1.2m extension of the south quay and enhancements to the north quay, which was also supported by funding from 麻豆精选, NRS Dounreay, SSE and the Marine Fund Scotland.

The consultant, Anne Byers of MTSS Ltd., brings extensive experience in port development. She has played a key role in master planning and business case work for Eyemouth and Orkney Harbours.

Since 2018, Wick Harbour has served as the main operations and maintenance base for the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm. The Beatrice project has attracted 拢200m investment and created more than 80 high-value, long-term jobs.

Building on this success, the new strategic plan will position WHA to attract further operations and maintenance activity from the growing offshore wind sector. It will also diversify harbour operations, and secure funding for major projects.

Wick Harbour is a commercially managed regional asset within the renewable energy supply chain. It also supports fishing, shellfish landing, commercial cargo, and oil and gas activities. WHA is responsible for maintaining harbour infrastructure, including dredging, quay repairs, and planning future upgrades.

The consultant will work closely with WHA on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and preparatory work for future development projects.

Claire Wilson, 麻豆精选鈥檚 head of business growth for Caithness and Sutherland, said:

鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to support Wick Harbour as it begins mapping and planning for future opportunities in offshore wind and the wider renewables sector. With Wick鈥檚 prime location on the east coast, this is the perfect moment to explore its role in delivering projects that drive economic growth across the region.

鈥淲ick Harbour is already a vital regional asset for the renewables industry. Developing a long-term strategy will not only secure this position but could also attract additional operations and maintenance contracts. This will strengthen the local supply chain, create jobs in Caithness, and help build population and community resilience.鈥�

David Calder, head of sustainability and socio economics for NRS Dounreay, said:

鈥淲e are pleased to support Wick Harbour Authority in shaping a long-term strategic vision that strengthens the region鈥檚 economic resilience. This grant funding reflects NRS Dounreay鈥檚 commitment to delivering meaningful social value for communities in the area.

By investing in local infrastructure and future planning, we鈥檙e helping unlock opportunities for sustainable growth, job creation, and wider area regeneration 鈥� ensuring the harbour continues to serve as a vital asset for Caithness and the North Highlands.鈥�  

Bob Silverwood, chair of Wick Harbour Authority, said:

鈥淲e greatly appreciate the support from 麻豆精选 and the NDA that has enabled this important work. It will provide clarity on Wick Harbour鈥檚 future potential and strengthen efforts to secure opportunities across the renewables sector 鈥� particularly offshore wind 鈥� as well as other emerging industries.

鈥淲HA has a bold vision for the future, and now is the ideal time to explore how Wick Harbour can drive economic growth for Wick and the wider east Caithness area.鈥�