A huge expansion is planned for a UK harbour which will see its fishing industry grow while also becoming a place which can be used for large cruise ships. In a £500 million upgrade, Buckie harbour, on the coast of Moray, could see some dramatic changes but not everyone is happy.

There have been concerns about the impact to marine tourism but the plans will not go ahead for the ambitious expansion plan. Councillors have raised concerns about the impact the plans will have on the environment in Moray. But, officers say the plans will create balance between economic benefits and climate concerns, reports Press and Journal.

Councillor Draeyk van der Horn was one person who raised concerns about the new plans. He recognises the positives the growth in tourism would have but says he worries about the pollution on Moray’s marine life.

He said: “I just want to make sure that whilst we are in consideration of all these things, the wider impact on our marine environment is being fully considered.

“If we are going to say that marine tourism is part of the catch, yet we are polluting the seas, threatening the very survival of that tourism industry.”

An expansion would bring “a lot of potential,” says Marc Macrae, chairman of Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure committee.

As part of the new plans, Buckie could expand to the west or to the north with costs estimated at £220 million to £497 million.

While the cruise ship expansion is the main part of the plans, the harbour would also support increased offshore wind and cargo business.

Alongside this, it would also support an active fishing industry.

Council officers will now begin work preparing a four-week consultation on the harbour proposals.

Buckie harbour is an established commercial port with four basins.

Moray Council says: “Currently servicing the operations and maintenance craft associated with the Beatrice Demonstrator turbines, the port has a proven track record of supporting the activity associated with offshore renewable energy developments and has the capacity, supply chain links and geographic location to embrace further expansion in this area.

“Historically an important fishing harbour, Buckie also provides a complete servicing package for the fishing fleet.”

The harbour is also home to a successful manufacturing, boat repair, cargo handling and fishing businesses.