Port of Cromarty Firth Helps Safeguard Future of Cromarty’s Historic Harbour
The Port of Cromarty Firth (POCF) has announced its vital contribution to the £450,000 project to restore and strengthen Cromarty Harbour’s East Mole, joining a mosaic of funders whose combined support is ensuring the historic structure can continue to serve future generations.
Funding contributed by the Port last year was a crucial part of a broad spectrum of support from stakeholders committed to protecting the harbour. Thanks to this collective backing, the major restoration project is now well underway.
Early in the works, a diving survey identified a significant number of unforeseen voids in the pier structure, leaving it highly vulnerable to collapse. This serious risk, confirmed by a surveyor from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) who was coincidentally present, could have brought an end to the use of the harbour and had a catastrophic impact on both the community and the local economy.
Following the discovery, engineers and contractors developed a plan to secure the foundations. However, this essential work increased costs by around £90,000. To stabilise the structure, available funds had to be redirected, forcing the project team to choose between scaling back their ambitions or pressing ahead while raising additional funding.
HES offered further financial assistance and requested that Colin Dickie, Chair of Cromarty Harbour Trust, first liaise with the wider panel of funders. Thanks to the Port of Cromarty Firth’s additional contribution, and the Chair’s tireless efforts to secure support, the project has been able to continue in full.
Loren Scott-Lodge, Communications Officer for Cromarty Harbour Trust, said: “Our thanks once again go to the Port of Cromarty Firth for being a friend in need. Work is nearing completion and updates and pictures can be found in our Facebook page and website. Their support, alongside that of our other funders, has ensured that this vital project can go ahead as planned.”
Alex Campbell, Chief Executive at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We are proud to support the restoration of Cromarty’s historic harbour. This project not only protects an important part of the town’s heritage but also underpins the wellbeing of the community and the local economy.”
The restoration of the East Mole continues, with completion set to secure the harbour’s future and provide lasting benefits for Cromarty and the wider area.
The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of the local people.
Community projects, schools or local charities based in one of the nine communities that border the Cromarty Firth are welcome to apply for support. They can do so by submitting an application form stating the project’s objectives, aspirations and the benefits to the community, along with a letter/email of support from their local Community Council.
Projects must be collaborative and meet one of four eligibility criteria:
- Skills development, employability or job creation,
- Vessel crew or passenger support,
- Environmental protection or enhancement,
- Events or projects which encourage inter-community collaboration.
Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website or from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.
