Prolonged efforts to close Perth port compared to getting man on the moon
Perth and Kinross Council voted to stop operating Perth Harbour as a commercial port in February 2023 but it remains open
Perth and Kinross Council's leader has compared the efforts to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port to sending astronauts to the moon.
In February 2023 councillors voted to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port but - over two years later - the port remains open despite only two vessels having used it in 2024/25.
On Wednesday, May 28 councillors voted for Perth and Kinross Council to remain statutory harbour authority and close it as a commercial port but allow leisure use of Perth Harbour.
The chairman of Perth Harbour Board - which has now been discontinued - Bailie Chris Ahern voiced his dissent at the meeting of PKC's Economy of Infrastructure Committee where the decision was made.
As the committee gave its approval, SNP council leader Grant Laing said: "Everyone can agree it's taken a lot of time but there were a lot of attempts to put someone on the moon for the first time. If you're doing something for the first time, there are going to be setbacks."
Moving it for approval, convener and deputy leader Eric Drysdale said: "The closure of a commercial harbour is not an easy option for this council or any council to take, but we have to balance the merits of continuing to run a loss-making harbour that is a drain on this council's finances against the benefits that may ensue through regeneration for leisure, tourism and nature conservation.
"Discussions with Transport Scotland have concluded that the best course would be for the council to retain the statutory harbour authority duty but cease the competent harbour authority duties which will mean excluding commercial vessels over 24m. If agreed this will go to public consultation and will be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval in due course.
"Can I also acknowledge the significant contributions made by the Harbour Board and its dedicated members over the past few years? Their efforts have been invaluable and I would like to extend the committee's thanks to them for their work."
After councillors voted in February to close Perth Harbour as a commercial port, it was marketed for long-term lease. One bid was submitted which was withdrawn on September 8, 2023.
On September 15, 2023, Perth and Kinross Council requested a meeting with Transport Scotland to progress the draft Harbour Revision Order (submitted in June 2023).
A council timeline put before councillors said PKC officers were advised by Transport Scotland "they had not yet received legal advice and were unable to provide feedback" and added: "Several subsequent requests for a meeting made with the same result."
In December 2023 Transport Scotland acknowledged formal submission of the application for Harbour Revision Order but requested more information, which was provided by PKC in January 2024.
During the lengthy process it emerged it was the first time a statutory port authority had considered relinquishing its duties.
Cllr Willie Robertson described the timeline of discussions between PKC and Transport Scotland - outlined in an appendix to the Perth and Kinross Council report - as "unbelievable" reading.
The Kinross-shire Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Robertson questioned the "huge delays" and "the fact they continually have to be chased up to move this process forward".
He added: "We can't allow Transport Scotland to cost this council more and more money that we don't need to spend."
PKC's strategic lead for Economy, Development and Planning Serge Merone said the council was working with Transport Scotland on a "change of approach to help reduce any delays in the coming weeks to take that to a successful outcome".
Cllr Robertson responded: "I don't think we can allow Transport Scotland's incompetence to go unmarked. For me, it's just not acceptable."
He requested a letter be written to Scotland's Transport Minister outlining the issues.
Convener Eric Drysdale said: "I do accept this has been a protracted process to date and lessons have to be learnt. I can assure you necessary steps will be taken."
Council leader Grant Laing added: "The problem is this has never been done before to a commercial port so there was no framework to work with. There is no legal advice to work to.
"I've been as frustrated as anyone but we had to make sure we were compliant with all legalities."
He added: "At least there will be a framework now if any other port wants to close down.
"It's groundbreaking to close the commercial port and I think the result is quite good that it gives us an opportunity to have more leisure in the harbour."
Despite having "virtually no commercial traffic", PKC has had to continue commercial operations - during the long process - and comply with legislation and guidance, which has come at a cost.
PKC reported a net expenditure of £208,000 as of March 31, 2024. The projected net expenditure as of March 31, 2025 is estimated at around £100,000 - depending on potential income from vessels - and includes the legal fees relating to the port closure.
However, PKC sold the Fair Maid tugboat for £500,000 in 2023-24.
The estimated annual cost for PKC to remain as statutory harbour authority for leisure use - rather than as a commercial port - is around £65,000. The costs include: rent and rates; a designated person to provide independent assurance of marine safety management; a qualified harbourmaster to ensure compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code: maintenance; oil spill cover; replacement and repair of personal protective equipment, and running a website.
Conservative leader John Duff said: "This is a sorry tale. Two years and four months ago we voted to close Perth Harbour and two years and four months later - somewhat belatedly - we're advised this is a first in the UK and it's too hard for Transport Scotland to conclude this and perhaps we should consider a Harbour Revision Order instead.
"Objections could still mean this could take six to 18 months before we can rid ourselves of only some of the responsibilities in terms of running the harbour."
He added: "Transport Scotland have certainly not covered themselves in glory in relation to the way and speed in which they have dealt with our situation and the various requests for information."
The delays, in part, appear to have arisen from health and safety concerns for the remaining small vessel users of the harbour and ensuring maintenance and safety requirements would be met.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "We have recently received information regarding a proposed Harbour Revision Order for Perth Harbour. Our aim is to work closely with all prospective applicants to ensure any final application and subsequent order is robust, both legally and from a policy perspective. This involves increased scrutiny in the pre-application stage which helps support those objectives."
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