Barrier in place at the Secret Beach – New owners of McDermott yard site at Ardersier defend move which has closed off access to Whiteness peninsula at Delnies Beach
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The Port of Ardersier's new owners have defended their right to build a fence which has closed off access to the Whiteness peninsula.
The barrier has sparked an angry response from walkers, who use the route to get onto what's known locally as the 'Secret Beach'
Meanwhile, Highland Council is investigating access issues and whether the fence requires planning permission.
Port of Ardersier Limited (POA) bought the site of the former McDermott Yard in June last year.
The company has plans to use it for a range of purposes, including developing platforms for offshore wind turbines and decommissioning North Sea rigs.
It states there is the potential for up to 2000 new jobs
A company spokesperson said it was legally bound to restrict access to the peninsula.
They added: "A key part of Ardersier Port’s transformation is its designation as a statutory port.
"This is a UK government requirement which brings with it national and international obligations.
"In common with all other statutory ports in Scotland – such as Cromarty, Montrose, Aberdeen and Leith – we have to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, designed to enhance the security of ships and port facilities.
"In all cases this means securing the outer boundary of the port by means of a permanent structure.
"At Ardersier, the Harbour Revision Order (HRO) 2017 which applies to the port defines the jurisdiction and ownership of the Statutory Harbour Authority which includes the spit at Whiteness Head, and we are therefore required to restrict public access to this area.
"We regret this will prevent local people accessing an area of beach which they have enjoyed in the years since the McDermott Yard.
"We have currently erected a temporary fence and this will be made permanent in the weeks ahead."
James Ross, a regular walker and swimmer at the beach who lives in Culloden Moor, stated the sudden appearance of the fence had left dozens of people shocked.
He said: "They are horrified. There's been absolutely no consultation.
"It just appeared almost overnight and stretches down below the high water mark.
"I’ve spoken to one of the owners and his attitude was he owns the land, the sea bed and doesn’t need to consult.
"It’s an appalling public relations gaffe and people are just outraged.
"Like everyone else I was very supportive of their plans and delighted that the yard was going to be brought back to life with the prospect of good jobs for many local people.
"But this part of the beach should not impact on the operations on the yard."
A Highland Council spokesman: "We are aware of the erection of this fence and are currently investigating whether it would require planning permission.
"In addition, in our capacity as the access authority, a separate investigation is under way regarding public access rights to this area."
Highland councillor Trish Robertson (Culloden and Ardersier) said: "I’m making enquiries about the legality of the fence. It’s going to be an industrial site and a balance will have to be struck."
Opened by US engineering group McDermott in 1972, the yard fabricated platforms for the oil and gas industry.
At its height it had about 4500 staff, making it the largest private sector employer in the Highlands.
However, a fall in demand finally led to the facility's closure in 2001.
In 2007, Highland Council approved ambitious plans for nearly 2000 houses along with a marina, hotel, visitor centre and community facilities including a primary school.
The facility was formerly owned by Derbyshire-based land and property developer CWC Group, which bought the yard in 2016 in a £5 million deal after its previous owner went into administration.
