These ideas came out on top at a recent public consultation to determine how best to develop the harbour for greater community use.

Between 30-40 members of the Whitehills community attended the meeting at St Brandon's Centre, which was jointly organised by the Whitehills Harbour Commissioners, Whitehills and District Community Council and the Banffshire Partnership Ltd.

Far and away the most popular idea to come out of the consultation was the creation of a slipway at the marina, while a themed café and gift shop came second top of the list of suggestions.

Other ideas that won over the people who attended the meeting were the improvement of the buildings around the harbour, the provision of training for youngsters in sailing, canoeing and windsurfing, and improvements to the public toilet facilities.

The provision of a storm boom and a museum were also ranked among the top priorities.

The exercise was facilitated by the Banffshire Partnership, who also analysed the results of the consultation.

A spokesman for the partnership said: "Whitehills Harbour Commissioners have been looking at financing the provision of a storm boom at the harbour mouth.

"The purposes of this boom are to improve the security and safety of vessels berthed in the harbour in all weathers, and to increase the available number for berths in the harbour.

"This exercise was dealt a blow by the Big Lottery pulling out of funding, after showing initial enthusiasm.

"Before progressing other funding possibilities, the commissioners and the community council decided to hold a public consultation to gather the views of the wider Whitehills community.

"Between 30 and 40 members of the Whitehills Community attended the evening which is a good level of attendance for this type of event."

At the meeting, people were encouraged to put forward their ideas under the five main headings: improvements to the area around the harbour, greater community links and activities, visitor and tourist facilities, activities and education for young people, and working with clubs and community groups.

They were then asked to attach different coloured stickers next to the ideas they saw as being the most interesting or important.

The proposals will now be considered by the harbour commissioners.

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