John Paterson, who has steered Montrose harbour through an ambitious, multi-million-pound redevelopment, is retiring from his role as chief executive of the port authority.
The 67-year-old has decided to call it a day after overseeing two major quayside upgrade projects costing almost £15 million.
He is leaving with the satisfaction of seeing the Angus port transformed into a major north sea oil and gas service terminal poised to attract lucrative business away from more illustrious rivals further north.
Montrose can now handle larger cargo and oil and gas ships, as well as vessels servicing the renewables industry projected to result from the major offshore windfarms approved for the Tay and Forth regions.
He reflected: “It has been a great experience here and I have enjoyed every minute of my job.
“A lot has been achieved and I have received tremendous support from many people.
“With the improvements that have been carried out, this is a good time for me to step down and hand over to someone else to take charge of the next stage of Montrose’s progress.”
John took up the challenge of developing Montrose from Peterhead, where he had played a key role in merging the port area’s two governing bodies into a port authority to manage the whole facility for fishing, oil, gas and other industries.
The former chief executive of Peterhead Harbour Trust could not resist a new challenge and headed south in 2006.
His last four years have seen significant change at Montrose, first with an £8.5m revamp of two deep-water berths on the south side of the harbour and later a £6m upgrade of two on the north side.
“The works allow increased throughput of materials at the port, and this has a significant economic relevance to the area,” he said.
“This is the only major port in Angus and has an economic impact on the whole area,” Mr Paterson added.
“This is recognised by Angus Council, who have been very supportive of all we have done here.”
A desire to embrace challenges has been a hallmark of his career. The chartered accountant entered harbour management as a 40-year-old from the construction industry after a takeover at his former employer the Aberdeen Construction Group.
“I exercised the option I had to get out and try something new, and harbour management appealed to me. I’ve never looked back,” he said.
Originally from Evanton in Easter Ross, the former Dingwall Academy pupil will step down once Montrose Port Authority has appointed his successor.
From looking out over seaways, he will refocus on fairways and highways with retirement offering opportunities to play more golf and travel.
He and wife Marilyn have lived in Aberdeen for 36 years and have no thoughts of leaving.