OUR COMMUNITY

For several years we have sponsored the main event in the annual Peterhead Scottish Week celebrations, which traditionally inclues a flying display by the Red Arrows.

A close working relationship is maintained with the local Sea Cadets organisation. The group is provided with complimentary berthing for three vessels at Peterhead Bay Marina in order to facilitate regular water-based training for their members.

Peterhead Port Authority also maintains a close working relationship with the Scottish Maritime Academy in Peterhead (part of NESCOL) and has for many years provided sponsorship to allow the centre to run three annual deckhands courses (see photograph above). This is to encourage youth into a maritime career, whether in fishing or on commercial vessels.

Chris Bell, who manages the course, which gives students all the necessary qualifications for a deckhand job on vessels in the Merchant Navy sector, from fishing to standby to wind farm support, said the support is vital.

“It’s essential. It helps the profile of the course. It gives it the gravitas that is needed and helps financially as well. Our budget is always tight, so having this support from a major partner is invaluable.”

The course runs three times a year with a maximum of 12 students and an average of 10, meaning around 30 go through it every year.

The majority of the students go on to get jobs in the sector, while some return to complete cadetships, allowing them to become Merchant Navy officers of the watch, or in fishing for Class 2 (mate) and Class 1 (skipper) tickets.

The port is also extensively involved in charitable donations, sponsorship and support advertising.

PPA chief executive Graeme Reid, who took up his role in March 2024, was struck by how much it “punches above its weight” in this area compared to other similar organisations.

For example PPA staff donated goods to the Aberdeenshire North (Peterhead) Food Bank, and Buchan Giving Tree alongside official PPA donations to each of £1,000.

The Port also sponsored the Mission café Christmas meal for 56 retired fishermen and widows to the tune of £1,500.

Furthermore, a donation of £1,000 was given to the Light Up Peterhead for its extensive programme of Christmas events.

The port also makes a significant contribution to the local and national economy.

In addition, the success of our business in growing trade through the port has a tangible benefit to many businesses and individuals in Peterhead.