Port of Cromarty Firth cruises to 'best ever' year
THE Port of Cromarty Firth recorded its best ever year in 2017, with almost £10 million in turnover, it has reported.
Its annual review reports a turnover of £9.9 million – £1 million higher than its previous turnover record in 2016.
A diversification from its core business of oil and gas to renewables, decommissioning and cruise and a higher number of vessels than expected resulted in the improvement. Many of the visitors have been taken by coach to hot spots such as Inverness and Loch Ness.
The strong results will allow the port at Invergordon to continue to invest in major developments, such as the new quayside and laydown space, which is in the planning stages for construction through 2019
Chief executive Bob Buskie said: “At the start of 2016, with low oil and gas prices, we knew the port had to adapt to sustain our growth and help keep local people in work.
“Firstly, supporting our core customers in oil and gas was a key concern.
“After the necessary consultation, we introduced a new pricing for statutory dues in January 2017, which meant an average five per cent reduction in fees for most clients, supporting them through the downturn.
“Secondly, the port had to look to the future and see what we could do to help sustain jobs and growth.”
The cruise-liner market was a success last year, with the port being named as the busiest in Scotland. It welcomed 93 ships and more than 150,000 passengers — a 54 per cent increase on 2016. The direct spend from passengers is put at £15 million.
The port has outlined plans to build a new multi-use berth development to provide modern facilities and to accommodate the larger cruise ships.
The port also ran two workshops, in conjunction with the cruise companies and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, to help local businesses understand and work with this lucrative sector. A cruise stakeholder group was also established to help improve logistics and communication.
Port board chairman Douglas Russell said hard work by its staff saw produced the record-breaking year.
