A time of change at the harbour

THESE are exciting times for Annan Harbour Action Group as invitations to tender have been issued to five major construction companies, with a view to appointing a contractor for the Annan Harbour Regeneration Project before the end of the year and beginning construction very early next year.

As part of an ongoing review to prepare the organisation for this next phase, the trustees have selected Michael Rodger, from Powfoot, to be their new chair.

Mike has many years of experience; across industry with a range of companies both large and small, with local government and in the creative sector.

He said: “I am delighted to have become part of the team working on the Annan Harbour Regeneration Project, as chairman of the trustees.

“This project has been running for some time and the position it now enjoys is a tribute to the hard work and diligence of those original members.

“It has the potential to become the heart of Annan and a true destination. The Harbour Project could do for South West Scotland what the Eden Project has done for Cornwall.

“We have a real opportunity to create a centre for play, study, development, arts and science.

“I hope that the experience I have gained through participating in projects for both public and private organisations, large and small, will be an asset to the team.”

Mike takes over the role from councillor Richard Brodie.

Mr Brodie helped bring AHAG into being back in 2011 when concerned members of the community were fearful that the harbour area was to be excluded from the Annan Masterplan.

AHAG development manager, Alan Thomson added: “Our board is working through a transition phase as it seeks to attract new members with the commercial experience to manage our projects and imminent new facilities, whilst remaining mindful of the countless hours of time and effort expended by the founding members to get us to this stage. “Richard’s contribution and leadership of AHAG has been immense, so it is fortunate for AHAG that he has agreed to progress a portfolio of key tasks in support the organisation in his own indefatigable and highly effective manner.”