The MP cut a ribbon to mark the end of this phase of development which has taken many years of effort and fundraising by the local community. A pontoon has been installed in the latest work and all berths have been taken up. In addition to small locally-owned fishing vessels, a local man is operating boat trips out of the harbour in a boost to local business and the economy.
Commenting after the opening ceremony, Dr Whiteford said:
"Getting to this stage has not only taken many years of effort on the part of individual committee members, but also a huge fundraising effort on the part of the local community, backed up by support from the lottery, LEADER funding and Aberdeenshire Council amongst others.
"It really is a tremendous facility and I'm delighted to see it being so well-used. In particular, the boat trips are a fantastic initiative and should help draw visitors into Cairnbulg which I hope will in turn see them supporting local shops.
"The fact that we had such a glorious sunny afternoon for the opening ceremony made it all the more special for Cairnbulg and I wish the committee well in their future plans for the harbour."