Trust unveils £250m masterplan to transform harbour

The plans outline the vision for Eyemouth for the next 50 years

A £250m expansion plan to transform a south of Scotland harbour into a major hub for the UK's offshore wind and marine economy has been launched.

The blueprint for Eyemouth would see a new deep-water harbour facility developed to serve a range of industries.

The proposals have been backed by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund and are being led by Eyemouth Harbour Trust (EHT).

They would see new quayside berthing put in place along with opportunities to develop nearby land owned by the local authority.

Eyemouth's first harbour pier was built in 1747 but the natural harbour dates back to the 13th Century.

The masterplan sets out a strategic vision for its next 50 years to address operational constraints, such as limited berthing space, shallow water depth, and ageing infrastructure.

The harbour's location near a number of planned offshore wind farm developments is seen as a key element in the expansion.

If delivered, it has been estimated the proposals could be worth millions to the local economy and create new jobs, while safeguarding employment in the fishing industry.

'Lasting legacy'

"This is about futureproofing the harbour and the town," said Christine Bell, EHT chief executive.

"Eyemouth's history and culture is born from fishing, but its future must also lie in securing opportunities in renewable energy, marine tourism and innovation to deliver a lasting legacy for future generations.

"This masterplan can get us there."

Funding is now in place for early technical feasibility work in order to prepare an outline business case.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the plan's launch was a "key milestone towards delivering a significant transformation of the town's quayside".

Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council's executive member for economic growth said the local authority would continue to support the "ambitious vision" for the area.

The proposal was also described as a "massive economic opportunity" for the town by Russel Griggs, who chairs South of Scotland Enterprise.