i8 IMPROVED FISHERY HARBOUR ACCOMMODATION 



coast, and would also form a refuge harbour for passing 

 shipping on a small scale. Assistance recommended as 

 for Helmsdale. 



LYBSTER. 



This harbour, two miles to the N.E. of Forse Cove, is much 

 dilapidated. In 1877, when visited by Mr. Young, the har- 

 bour was much decayed, the pier having been breached 

 through by the storms. Very strong evidence of the neces- 

 sity of repairing the works was given before the Herring 

 Fishery Commissioners in 1877. 



Mr. Thomson, fishery officer, stated, amongst other 

 matters, that the harbour is not at all adequate for the 

 boats. Five to six thousand pounds would be requisite to 

 make of it a very good harbour. 



Recommendation as in the case of the last named. 



WICK. 



Of this very important station, Mr. Young speaks very 

 sadly : " More than half the breakwater has been washed 

 down, and the bay filled up with the debris." This was quo- 

 ting the late Captain Macdonald, H.M.S. Vigilant, Fishery 

 cruiser, who gave his evidence in 1 877. In a note to his essay, 

 p. 86, Mr. Young states : " Since the above was written, 

 the aspect of affairs at Wick has brightened." " A new plan 

 of extension and improvement has been prepared by Mr. J. 

 Barren, C.E., and accepted by the Harbour Trustees. Salient 

 features : extension of the South Pier as a breakwater and 

 a quay, and concrete breakwater on the north shore, leaving 

 an entrance of 250 ft. wide ; various erections and internal 

 improvements, including dredging and deepening the bed of 

 the river. In the breakwater no concrete block less than 



