Emergency stabilisation work begins at Wick harbour after storm damage
Emergency stabilisation work is getting under way on Wick's storm-damaged harbour.
Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) says the scheme will provide "some comfort" ahead of a wider programme of investment to improve the port.
Concerns came to light in the aftermath of Storm Babet in October when Wick was battered by powerful waves which continued for about two weeks. Gaps opened up in the stonework at the outer harbour quay.
Caithness firm Lochshell Engineering has begun stage one of the work, on an emergency stabilisation project to prevent further movement until a full repair and improvement scheme is completed. Engineers expect to have the stabilisation in place within "a matter of weeks".
The work will have to fit in with the tides.
The harbour board called an emergency meeting on October 30, attended by more than 40 stakeholders from multiple agencies.
WHA has since received tender bids for a long-term stabilisation and improvement of the quay, which would be phase one of a wider investment in harbour.
The authority said in a statement: "With confirmed costs in place, the board has been working with funding agencies and expects the engineering works to be fully funded, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.
"The phase one realignment works will take up to 40 weeks to complete, but some works could run concurrently to deliver on an accelerated timeframe.
"A phase two investment would extend the South Quay at the harbour entrance, as well as further enhancement to the North Quay which would reduce the wave climate within the outer and inner harbours."
The term "wave climate" relates to the height and action of waves, which in Wick can affect the berthing of vessels during strong easterly winds.
These works would "effectively double the all-year-round capacity of the port", allowing for a major expansion of operations and maintenance activity for the growing offshore wind sector as well as encouraging growth in the leisure market and the fishing industry.
WHA chairman Robert Silverwood said: "We look forward to the initial stabilisation works being completed, which will give us some comfort that the structure will be preserved until work can commence on the full scheme to improve the harbour entrance."
Harbour master Ian Cormack said: "We would like to thank our stakeholders and the various agencies we are dealing with for their support during this difficult time.
"Funding for the project remains our priority, and it is heartening to see the recognition of the importance the harbour plays in the local economy and the will to ensure a bright future for the harbour and associated businesses."
Wick is the operations and maintenance base for the £2.5 billion Beatrice offshore wind farm, operated by SSE Renewables on behalf of a joint venture partnership. It provides work for about 90 people.
The wind farm's operators have said they are committed to playing their part in achieving a “quick and effective repair” to the harbour.
Mr Cormack had previously said: "Everybody is coming together to try to find a solution. There are up to 200 jobs involved around the harbour which have got to be preserved."
The harbour authority has been carrying out daily checks since the damage became apparent.
Jamie Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, said: “This is very welcome indeed. The damage to Wick harbour has been a big weight on my mind, which is why I raised it in the House of Commons.
“The fact that this work will now go ahead is a tribute to real teamwork, including everyone from the enterprise agency, Highland Council and all other concerned parties.”
Mr Stone had previously warned that a collapse would be a “catastrophe” for the local economy, while Maree Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, called for all funding avenues to be explored.
Provost Jan McEwan, who represents Wick and East Caithness on Highland Council, had warned that a collapse would be "devastating to Wick".
She welcomed the emergency stabilisation work.
"It is good news," Councillor McEwan said. "I just hope all other interested parties will help with the funding to get it repaired properly now, as it is in everyone’s interest."