Extent of Highland December storm damage estimated at £2.555 million

Members of The Highland Council’s Transport, Environmental and Community Services Committee will hear next week that the extent of damage to Council harbour facilities and coastal defences during the 14/15 December 2012 storm is currently estimated at £2.555 million.

In a report to the TEC Services Committee, members are advised of the extent of the damage to facilities at 24 locations including: Scrabster – East Gills; John O’Groats Harbour; Freswick Harbour; Ackergill Harbour; Keiss Harbour; Staxigoe Harbour; Victoria Street, Wick; Scalesburn, Wick; Service Bridge, Wick; Latheron Harbour; Dunbeath Harbour; Helmsdale Harbour; Brora Harbour; Golspie; Embo Harbour; Portmahomack and its harbour; Hilton; Balintore and its harbour; Shandwick; Rockfield; Rosemarkie; and Nairn.

The highest estimated repair bills are at Balintore and harbour £835,000; Portmahomack and harbour £450,000; Dunbeath Harbour £100,000; Golspie £85,000; Nairn £85,000; Hilton £75,000; and Latheron Harbour £65,000.

To help meet the repair bill, the Council will be submitting a claim to the Scottish Government under the Bellwin Scheme. Council Leader Drew Hendry has already written to Richard Lochead MSP Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, inviting him to consider providing emergency financial assistance to meet the costs of the repairs and seeking an early meeting to discuss what financial assistance the Scottish Government can provide.

Further reports with full detailed actual costs will be submitted to a future Council meeting. Members will also be asked to approve that the Council provides advice and support to privately owned facilities affected by the December storm surge.