Perth port gets five-year plan

Jun 6 2008 by Les Stewart

COUNCILLORS have unanimously backed a plan aimed at steering Perth Harbour into much more financially secure waters.

The historic port, which has operated as a commercial concern since the 12th century, employs 170 people directly and indirectly, and handled cargoes worth more than £82 million in 2007-08.

But its accounts for the past 12 months indicate a projected deficit of £30,600, members of the council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee were told on Wednesday.

Traditionally, the harbour has handled greater quantities of imports than exports but tonnage has fallen from a high of 143,000 in 1990/91 to just 53,000 in 2006/07.

In a report to the meeting, Jim Irons, the council’s executive director (environment), warned that the harbour must diversify and seek new commodities and traffic flow “in order to remain competitive”.

A business review, along with a survey of harbour users, highlighted the following:

A shortage of covered and open storage.

The harbour's low profile among the local business community.

The tidal nature of the harbour which limits the number of cargoes that can be handled.

The lack of a rail head.

A number of options were considered but it was agreed to go down the regeneration route.

Under the proposals, the council and the main harbour users will set up a task group, led by the council, to take forward a number of strategic issues. They include:

A commitment by the council to setting out costed storage options for the immediate harbour area and the creation of a marketing system for the port.

The issue of high transit costs, including the additional charging of cargoes heading to Perth by Forth Ports and Dundee Harbour Authority, will be taken up by the council through the task group.

Harbour users and the council will also meet on a regular basis to exchange market information.

Under the plan, it is hoped Perth Harbour will become financially self-sufficient within five years.

Enterprise and Infrastructure vice-convener, Councillor Ann Gaunt, said: “The harbour is an important economic driver for Perth.

“It is a very efficient niche port which has managed to survive and prosper, when many small ports in the UK have struggled.

“However, we do need to take the harbour forward to capitalise on the opportunities that are available.

“A number of key issues have been identified, like storage, new business and marketing.

“I believe these can be addressed through the new strategy.

“By working with our partners we can secure a prosperous future for the harbour.”