Holyrood View - A decades-old business is now at risk an in need of help

Established in 1967, this family-run business has built a reputation extending well beyond Angus, providing essential services to vessels from along the east coast and further afield. Yet today, its future hangs in the balance.

At the beginning of August, Angus Council closed the harbour slipway following concerns about safety. More than two months later, it remains closed, with serious consequences for the business and those who depend on it.

I recently met with Mackays to discuss the situation first-hand. The scale of the disruption is considerable, with substantial income already lost and further contracts at risk.

While smaller vessels can still be handled using alternative equipment, the business cannot operate anywhere near capacity.

Fishing boats and other vessels requiring essential maintenance are being left without access to facilities they depend upon.

There has finally been some welcome progress. Angus Council has approved £1.55 million for harbour infrastructure, contractors are now discussing repairs to the slipway, and testing of the pier is scheduled for early November.

These are positive developments, but considerable uncertainty remains about when normal operations can resume. I recognise that safety must come first. Nobody is suggesting that infrastructure should be operated where there is an unacceptable risk.

However, we cannot ignore the financial consequences of a prolonged closure.

Mackays has made clear to me that its future is genuinely at risk. That is why I am continuing to press Angus Council to explore every avenue of immediate financial support, including rent relief, potential compensation and other practical assistance.

We also need firm timescales for the remaining work and serious consideration of any safe interim arrangements that would allow more vessels to be serviced.

The council has taken steps towards resolving this situation. Now it must ensure those steps come quickly enough. A solution that arrives after Mackay Boat Builders has closed its doors is no solution at all.