Future of Perth Harbour - application for Pilotage Function Removal Order

Overview

Background

On 8 February 2023, Perth and Kinross Council considered a report providing an update on Perth Harbour Business Plan, and an options appraisal for the future of the Harbour.

The update concluded that Perth Harbour was no longer commercially viable, with an increasing deficit of £285,000 in 2022/23 which was not sustainable. The report said costs are increasing and are not matched by increased income, and potential demand would not be sufficient to increase the level of income needed to reduce the deficit or even break even. It is important to note that Perth and Kinross Council is incurring significant costs keeping the Harbour open.

There were just four vessel movements at Perth Harbour in 2022-2023, four in 2023-2024, and just two in 2025. In addition, Perth Harbour faces structural challenges which would require significant future additional investment.

The market has been tested and no third party was able to take on the harbour as a commercial concern. It is not financially viable for Perth and Kinross Council to incur significant financial losses to continue to support commercial traffic at Perth Harbour

Taking all this into account, the Council agreed an option would see the cessation of the Council’s involvement and obligations to manage the harbour as a commercial port. Further encouragement would be given to other uses including renewable energy production/storage where possible, water-based leisure (sailing, boating, water sports etc) and complementary employment or ancillary uses in the short term prior to medium and long consideration of alternative uses via the Local Development Plan review.

This would be consistent with Perth City Plan and promoting a better use of the River Tay as a significant biodiversity and recreation resource. Once the liabilities associated with pilotage for commercial operations are removed, initiatives outlined in the Draft Perth City Centre Development and Design Framework.pdf can be taken forward for Perth Harbour. 

The Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee met in May 2025 to discuss the creation of a 'Harbour Quarter' which would enhance recreational usage of the Harbour and includes the responsibilities and costs post Harbour Order.

Application for Pilotage Function Removal Order

Perth and Kinross Council has now applied to the Scottish Ministers for a Pilotage Function Removal Order for Perth Harbour. This application has been made under section 1(1)(4B) of the Pilotage Act.

The Order is intended to relieve the Council of all statutory functions as a competent harbour authority for the purposes of the Pilotage Act 1987 in respect of the Harbour, and to make provision about the handling of vessels in the Harbour before and after the removal date.

This consultation for the avoidance of doubt is on the Pilotage Function Removal Order. This order has been initiated as a necessary step to execute the Council’s mandate for closing the port as a commercial operation as we aim to unlock significant opportunities for regeneration.

How you can lodge an objection

The Council is now consulting with statutory and local stakeholders on the proposal. A briefing pack is attached to this consultation to provide further detail of the proposal.

If you would like to lodge an objection to the proposal you can find out how to do so by reading the information below.