A north-east harbour now has 24/7 patrols after the council appointed weekend watch staff.
In 2017, a row broke out after Aberdeenshire Council announced plans to axe the service at Macduff Harbour
A 1-000 strong petition was handed in, and the authority abandoned the proposals – with two staff carrying out the roll.
However, concerns were raised that there was not enough cover when one was off – an argument strengthened when two boats broke free from their berths in a storm and were left to drift.
Following the incident, Aberdeenshire Council decided to introduce a weekend watchman service to ensure the quayside is covered and harbour users agreed to contribute to the cost of the patrols.
Now the weekend patrols are in force, with campaigners delighted the issue has been resolved.
John Clark, who owns the Reliance II boat, said it “absolutely brilliant” that the watchmen are now in place in time for the busy period.
He said: “It is absolutely brilliant having the watchmen there 24/7.
“It is a huge boost for Macduff and with the valuable squid season just away to start its means the harbour is ideally placed for landings.
“Now with the watchmen there at weekends Macduff is a lot safer for everyone.”
Councillor Ross Cassie, chairman of the Macduff Harbour Advisory Committee, also welcomed the move.
He said: “We’ve been pushing for this for quite a while and it is good to see.”
Meanwhile the new ice plant at Macduff is expected to become operational next week.
Hopes are high the £400,000 development can boost the fortunes of the port as it means fishermen will not have to travel to Fraserburgh for ice.
Last night, an Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said two relief night watchmen have been appointed and are currently in training.
He said they expect full weekend coverage to begin at Macduff Harbour by the end of the month.
