Aberdeenshire Council has ruled out carrying out major repairs to a north-east harbour, despite a campaign by locals.
Efforts to save Port Rae at Rosehearty, near Fraserburgh, have been ongoing since at least 2010, when former councillor Robert Watson pleaded with colleagues that “all reasonable steps” should be taken to prevent it from crumbling into the sea.
Port Rae, which was constructed in the 19th century, but latterly de-listed by the council, provides valuable protection for the village during storms, when it protects coastal properties from the worst of the elements.
But ever since a large crack appeared in the harbour wall four years ago, residents have been fighting against the clock.
Now the local authority has said the harbour will have to continue competing against others in the region for a “limited” amount of funds – and that Port Rae would only be repaired if the works could be “justified”.
A spokeswoman added there were no plans to return the harbour to council ownership.
“Aberdeenshire Council has no plans to carry out major repair works to Port Rae pier at the current time,” she said.
“Monitoring of the structure is carried out regularly to ensure that the structure is not deteriorating at a critical rate.
“Any works proposed would be considered alongside competing demands for limited resources and would be subject to approval by the relevant committees as appropriate.
“We have not ruled out the possibility of some work having to be undertaken in the future, but it will be on the basis of protecting the shoreline rather than on reestablishing a harbour facility.”
Rosehearty councillor Hamish Partridge has been pushing for the facility to be repaired over his time as a Troup representative.
“Over the last four years I have requested many updates on the Port Rae pier in Rosehearty on the back of many questions from constituents,” he said.
“I fully accept the importance of the structure and the reasons behind the requests to have repairs done for safety, tourism and the future of the structure.”