Arbroath Harbour has once again bucked the economic trend which seems to be affecting other parts of the town with seaborne visitors to the marina up nearly a quarter on last year.
Figures revealed at the spring meeting of the joint harbour consultative committee show that the marina continues to increase its visitor traffic, which has spin-off benefits for the area.
The latest report states that the number of visiting craft to the harbour from April 2009 to March 2010 was 224.
Angus Council infrastructure services director Eric Lowson said, “This is an increase of 23% on the previous year and is a very positive trend in representing the attractiveness of the harbour for visitors.”
The Arbroath Sailing and Boating Club has also had its request granted to have the harbour gate opening times extended during the summer.
Mr Lowson said, “Fourteen occasions throughout the three-month period have been identified where this is possible which equates to every second weekend, Saturday and Sunday.”
The pontoon berths are at maximum occupancy, while even those on the waiting list for berths remain committed to the cause.
Mr Lowson said, “In February 2010 the head of roads wrote to everyone on the pontoon berthing waiting list explaining the low turnover for pontoon berthing and asking if they wished to contact the harbourmaster, ascertain their position and make a decision if they wished to remain on the list.
“Following this the overall numbers on the waiting list remain high, with 48 people, which is now kept on a database with roads staff in Forfar.”
The committee also heard details of £762,000 of further investment planned at the harbour over the coming year, including £500,000 on the infrastructure and breakwater, and nearly £200,000 on a new fuel dispensing system which was successful in attracting a £55,000 Euro Fisheries grant.
Further grant money has been earmarked for work including a new crew room, refrigeration unit and ice machine.
Committee chairman Jim Millar said, “An increase of 23% in the number of visiting craft to Arbroath is extremely encouraging, and reflects the continuing investment that Angus Council continues to make in the harbour.”