Moray MP Douglas Ross has made contact with Moray Council to seek clarification on reports that the organisers of a Boxing Day charity Dip at Burghead Harbour have been advised that this year there will be costs to pay to Moray Council. Along with local Councillor James Allan and Scottish Conservative Group Leader Tim Eagle, the trio are requesting Moray Council reverse this decision to charge the charity.
Douglas said “ It’s clear from the number of local people who have contacted me and the reaction on social media that this charge must not be applied to such a popular annual event which raises so much money for good causes.
“This is an unacceptable move by the Council and highlights just how desperate they have become when they plan on plundering the funds raised by the organisers of a charity which is more than three decades old and which last year alone raised nearly £10,000.
“Enough is enough and we urge to Moray Council to reverse this decision. This is the very clear message I put to them today when I contacted the Local Authority.
Moray Council Conservative Group Leader and Conservative Candidate for the Scottish Elections, Tim Eagle said “I am of course disappointed to learn that those who organise the Burghead Boxing Day Dip have been advised that they have to pay for using the Harbour this year as a result of Moray Council new charging policies. After raising funds for many worthwhile causes over 30 years, I would have thought that a dispensation could have been made for this charitable event and I am working within the Council to ensure these charges are not applied.
Local Conservative Councillor James Allan said “ This event has been a large success for over 30 years and that is down to the hard work, dedication and commitment of local volunteers. Their efforts are now under threat if Moray Council continues with their plans to impose these charges, which is why I am working with Douglas and Tim in an effort to prevent these charges being applied. I know I have the backing of the local community in Burghead and across Moray in seeking to have this event continue as normal without these charges being applied.