Global's Nigg quay expansion plans go on show in Cromarty amidst concerns over impact on tourism
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PLANS for a new quay at Nigg by the Global Energy Group were the subject of a public consultation held at the West Church Hall in Cromarty.
The pre-planning forum is part of the consultation process and there have been local concerns in the town that competing economic needs could impact on the community's ability to continue growth in the tourism sector.
Global Energy have submitted notice of their plans to develop the east quay at its Nigg base which it says could deliver more jobs to Easter Ross.
A number of Cromarty residents on the opposite side of the firth are already concerned at the expanding industrialisation of the area which has already been subject to complaints about noise and light pollution.
The construction of the new quay will involve dredging and filling as well as an area for handling and temporary storage of North Sea and renewable energy components.
Jacquie Ross, chairman of Cromarty and District Community Council, said the presentation by global was well attended by local residents.
Mrs Ross said: "It was a very useful meeting to get information on the proposals and there was a good attendance of local people and representatives from Global and their consultants
"They were able to answer all my questions about potential environmental impact and when the environmental impact assessment will be completed.
"There were questions about noise levels from piling during the construction phase and light pollution and the location of the new 250 metre long quayside and how it sits in the landscape because it's difficult to see how it looks from cromarty.
"There was re-assurance about the movement of the tide and how it will affect the ferry slipway because we are trying to get funding to repair the slipways at Nigg and Cromarty."
Black Isle councillor Craig Fraser has in the past campaigned on behalf of residents in Cromarty over the impact industry has on their lives.
He said he was constrained about what he can say being on the planning committee but he said he was pleased the meeting was well attended and that Global Energy were engaging with the community.
A spokesman for Global Energy said: "The event was part of the pre-planning consultation and we were extremely pleased with the turn-out. We think over 50 people attended and we were able to show our plans in considerable detail.
"We took on board the various comments and some concerns. We like to be good neighbours and we will now move on to the next stage of the planning process.
"But we continue to engage and take cognisance of the community's concerns and of course we include the residents of Shandwick and Nigg as well."
