The failure of a Scottish Government minister to resolve a long-running wrangle over an unpopular set of bollards has been branded “another nail in the coffin” of Lossiemouth.
Traders in the coastal town were left downbeat after local MSP Richard Lochhead, the Scottish environment secretary, failed to persuade local harbour chiefs to remove the obstacles.
Shopkeepers and restaurateurs around the harbour were dismayed when the port authority blocked-off an access road without warning in February.
With the bollards being blamed for dwindling tourist trade over the summer, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead vowed to tackle Lossiemouth Harbour Board on the matter.
The politician met port officials this week to raise concerns that the obstruction – and accompanying “no access” signs – deterred visitors.
But he was unable to convince the board to reverse its decision, which it maintains is in the best interests of health and safety.
John Thomson, who owns the Shore Street petrol station, has led protests against the bollards.
He said: “Everyone is trying to bring tourism to the area, but these bollards and signs send the opposite message.
“A lot of businesses around the harbour have suffered a decline in trade because of them.”
Mr Thomson said the board’s refusal to budge despite Mr Lochhead’s intervention was “very disappointing”.
“It’s just another nail in the coffin for Lossie”, he added.
Mr Lochhead said: “I conveyed the disappointment of my constituents over how the bollards and signs at the harbour had been installed without adequate consultation.
“I appreciate that the board may have acted with the best of intentions in terms of public safety, but the way in which access has been affected has clearly caused considerable angst.
“Unfortunately, the directors are not of a mind to revisit the issue and believe they have taken the best decision.”
The MSP now plans to consult Moray Council to devise other safety measures which would remove the need for the bollards.
Lossiemouth Community Council chairman Mike Mulholland was also disappointed at the outcome of Mr Lochhead’s talks with port chiefs.
And he criticised the harbour board for not exploring other options before installing the controversial roadblock.
Lossiemouth Harbour Board director George Reid has stressed that the roadblock was put in place primarily as a safety measure.
A harbour authority spokeswoman yesterday said: “This is a board issue, and it will be discussed at the next board meeting.
“A response to these issues will be decided at that time.”