Portgordon group gathers support for village development

Development site in Portgordon.

A meeting has been called to discuss how best to support development plans for a Moray village.

Controversial plans put before Moray Council to create a new boatyard and cafe in Portgordon brought about the creation of the protest group ‘Save our Portgordon Beach’, who successfully caused a rethink by landowner Gemma Campbell.

Ms Campbell’s original plans for a small housing complex on beach-front land in the village were dropped – however, that was insufficient for campaigners who pledged to oppose the remaining proposals.

A second campaign group, the Portgordon Development Group, was created in support of the boatyard and cafe plans.  The new group has gathered considerable support from residents who see the developments as vital for the future of their community – now they are set to host a public meeting next week where they will be advised by council officials over the development.

Portgordon Development Group campaigner Maureen Burrows said: “The meeting will not be a debate as it is really only intended for people who want the development in the village – it will be a chance for us to decide how best to take things forward.

“We believe the boatyard and cafe will be a massive boost not just for Portgordon but the the whole area.”

Community support workers from Moray Council will attend the meeting to advise villagers on what steps they can take, with Gillian Bailey explaining their role: “We are not there to tell people what they should do, our role is to advise them on their options.  It is then up to them whether they proceed by setting themselves up as a charity or to keep things on a more informal basis.”

The meeting will be held in the Portgordon Village Hall on Tuesday, November 12 at 7.30pm.

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