BURGHEAD WAS BROUGHT to a halt on Friday morning when the major job of moving a local landmark to its new permanent home was successfully completed.
The Harvest Reaper had lain abandoned on dry land at the harbour since the 1980’s – until Moray Council ordered that the 100-year-old fishing boat be moved or it would be destroyed.
Local man David Meldrum had saved the wreck in the 1980’s as a future retirement project but circumstances changed and he never managed to carry out the work – then in January the local authority ordered its removal to make way for building works on new industrial units.
The Burghead Headland Trust then stepped in to save the day – moving the Reaper to a temporary slot in the Harbour, before moving the historic boat again on Friday, this time to a permanent slot looking out to sea.
“She will look dramatic as one approaches Burghead by sea,” Dan Ralph, who oversaw the major task of moving the boat said. He added: “She will be heavily tarred in the spring time to protect her and she should last at least another 100 years.”
Headland Trust secretary Hilary Gloyer added: “We are all just so glad to see her safely moved and installed into a new slot where people can continue to appreciate her.
“For many years the Harvest Reaper had grown on local people and visitors alike, a fascinating draw and reminder of the rich fishing history of Burghead and our coastline. Now she will remain in sight of the sea where she always belonged.”