After more than a decade at the helm, Portavadie is marking the end of an era as Marina Manager, Craig Cochran prepares to set sail for a new opportunity - while also proudly announcing a carefully planned succession plan that reflects the strength and continuity of the marina team.

Craig joined Portavadie in 2012, taking over from Robert Kitchin. Over 14 years later, Craig has been a steady and familiar presence across the pontoons, guiding the marina through growth, change, and countless seasons on the water. Today, Portavadie Marina is home to 170 permanent berths and offers up to 60 visitor berths.

Looking back on his time at Portavadie, Craig said:

“I’ve had an amazing time working at Portavadie. My next opportunity wasn’t something I’d been looking for, but it felt like the right moment for me to change course. I’d especially like to thank our berth holders for their continued support over the years - it’s been a real pleasure getting to know so many of you.”

He also paid tribute to the wider marina crew:

“I’ve been lucky to work with a fantastic crew over the years. We are a tight knit bunch and my thanks goes to Dave who has been a constant throughout my time as Yard Supervisor, more recently Hannah has joined and along with Josh Sim we’ve worked well together and had some great times along the way.”

We are delighted to share that Josh Dadd will be stepping into the role of Marina and Facilities Manager. Josh has been with the company for over two years, initially as Assistant Marina and Facilities Manager, later taking on the additional responsibility of Maintenance Manager, while closely supporting Craig with marina operations. His appointment continues Portavadie’s commitment to promoting from within, ensuring continuity, local knowledge, and a smooth succession plan. A transition period is already underway, allowing Craig to hand over the wheel whilst ensuring a smooth changeover across marina, facilities, and wider operations.

Craig added that he is delighted to be “passing the sails” on to Josh Dadd:

“I’m moving on knowing the marina is in safe hands. And I’m not going far, so I’m really looking forward to coming back to enjoy Portavadie as a guest myself.”

Looking forward to his new challenge, Josh commented:

"Since joining Portavadie as Assistant Marina and Facilities Manager in 2023, I’ve spent the last two years working with Craig across the business, absorbing the vast knowledge that he’s built up over the last 14 years, and building my own skills and understanding of both the marina and wider estate. Learning and development are areas that I thrive on, and gaining this experience has helped to prepare me for what will be an exciting, challenging, and ultimately very rewarding, next step in my career pathway.

Some of you may remember me from when I was self-employed operating as JD Marine, indeed many of you have been my valued customers during that time. I’m really looking forward to building on existing and forging new relationships, to carry forward a strong legacy of continued success. My focus is to work closely with our berth holders, many visitors, and the wider Portavadie Crew, to continue to deliver a safe, welcoming, and efficient marina.

Portavadie is a special place, and I’m excited to be part of its next chapter.”
 
Portavadie's Managing Director, Iain Jurgensen added:

“I’d like to sincerely thank Craig for all his hard work and dedication over the years. His contribution to the marina has been immense. We’re also very proud to be promoting from within the business once again and are extremely confident that the marina is in safe hands with Josh.

As Craig embarks on his next chapter, we thank him for his leadership, commitment, and care for Portavadie Marina. We wish Craig calm seas and fair winds ahead - and we look forward to welcoming him back on the pontoons soon, this time with his feet firmly up as our guest.”