Local people formed a Harbour Committee in 1995 to begin the work of regeneration.

Much progress was made by the committee in establishing the legal ownership of the Harbour, and a firm basis for plans to make the Harbour 'live' again.

However, studies revealed that major funding, in the shape of millions of pounds would be needed to revitalise the Harbour, and revive the fortunes of Sandhaven and Pitullie.

In 1999 the Sandhaven and Pitullie Harbour Trust was started, as a company limited by guarantee.

The Trust quickly realised that nothing could be done without ownership of the Harbour and surrounding land. With committed support and hard work from the local community, and grants from Grampian Enterprise and Leader II European Funds the Trust raised £20,000 to buy the Harbour.

Just as planned, in August 2000, Sandhaven Harbour became the property of the Trust.