A bid by one of the biggest companies in the Highlands to take to take control of part of a vital waterway is unlawful, according to the port authority with responsibility for it

It is the latest round in a landmark battle between the Cromarty Firth Port Authority (CFPA) and the Global Energy Group, which is seeking to create a private harbour authority in the water off its Nigg yard at the mouth of the Cromarty Firth to improve services to potential customers.

Global, which is owned by leading Highland businessman Roy MacGregor, chairman of Ross County FC, has applied to the Scottish ministers for permission to create its own port by way of a Harbour Revision Order (HRO). It says it would give control of about a third of the access route in and out of the Cromarty Firth for all traffic from cruise liners to tugs towing oil rigs.

All the firth, has been under the control of the CPFA as a trust port enshrined in statute in 1973.

In its official objection to the Scottish Government, the port authority says the application is also "flawed" and "incompetent" because it fails to meet the requirements of the Harbours Act 1964. It explains that the case submitted by Global would not meet the required objectives or secure the "improvement, maintenance or management" of the whole of the Port of Cromarty Firth in an "efficient and economic manner".

The objection also outlines several other grounds for refusing the application for an HRO from the impact on the economy and marine environment to the likely re-routing of vessels raising questions of marine safety

The port authority says it is an attempt to compulsorily acquire the rights/property of an existing harbour authority without compensation and is not in the public interest.

The chief executive of the port authority, Bob Buskie, said:

"We have supported the growth of the Global Energy Group over the years and they have never indicated that their growth and development has been in any way held back by not having harbour authority status or that their future success and further development be dependent upon securing it.

"Their interests are clearly focused on the shareholders of a private company rather than for the long term benefit of all stakeholders in the local area. We cannot allow these important strategic waters to be controlled by a private company."

But a spokesman for Global energy Group said:

"It is extremely disappointing that some parties continue to issue statements using emotive language that attempt to misdirect the public on this matter. Global's position, supported by legal advice, is that the HRO application has been lawfully made and should be allowed to proceed in the best interests of both the local and national economy."

But he said Global would continue to seek the views and engage in constructive dialogue with all parties who have an interest in the Cromarty Firth and the proposed HRO for the Port of Nigg.