Permanent repairs to a collapsed section of Arbroath’s historic harbour wall are to get under way within weeks.
The section of Ballast Quay wall fell into the sea in January, leaving Angus Council with a six-figure emergency repair bill amidst claims the combination of poor maintenance and dredging operations had led to the collapse.
The damage, discovered by fishermen arriving for work, happened at a strategically important section of the port where the wall protects the channel into the outer harbour.
Around a third of the wall was affected and temporary repairs included the installation of rock armour to protect the structure from further erosion.
The authority has now confirmed the contract for permanent repairs has been awarded and is programmed to get under way by the end of this month.
A council spokesperson said: “The contract to repair and strengthen the damaged quay utilising the sections of stone from the collapsed section of wall has been awarded to Delson Contracts Limited and work is scheduled to begin by the end of June.
“This is a particularly busy time for harbour improvements, with the installation of the new pontoons in the outer harbour also getting under way this week.
“Both projects will be subject to tidal and weather conditions and be carried out in a way that will aim to minimise any disruption.
“The patience and understanding of harbour users and visitors will be greatly appreciated during this time.”
The pontoons project involves the tourism-boosting expansion of berths for visiting craft in the outer harbour area.
Arbroath marina has become a popular destination for sailors from around the UK and farther afield in recent times and the council received more than £50,000 of North East Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group funding for the expansion.
Current pontoon occupancy continues to run at its maximum of 53 annual berths, with six available for visiting yachts.
There is also a 31-strong waiting list for an annual berth.
Harbour bosses are hoping to repeat the busy summer of last season, when almost 200 boats visited the town, staying for an average of 2.6 nights.
