Plans to build a £250m harbour at Scotland’s south-easternmost commercial port have been backed by the UK Government.
A fishing centre for centuries, business leaders are keen to position the town of Eyemouth as a “vital hub in the UK’s offshore wind and marine economy”.
Eyemouth Harbour Trust’s masterplan, which could bring £20m of additional economic value to the area each year, is centred around the development of a deep-water harbour facility.
Plans for the site, which have undergone "extensive stakeholder engagement”, include the building of 700m of quayside berthing and two hectares of “laydown space”.
“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.”
Eyemouth, located five miles from the border with England, has a rich fishing heritage. In recent years, renewable energy has made its mark on the town, with the operations and maintenance base for the Neart na Gaoithe wind farm opening in 2023.
The UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund will help to fund the project, with the earliest operational date for the new harbour being penciled in for 2031.
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Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: "This is a key milestone towards delivering a significant transformation of the town's quayside and I welcome this vision to boost economic growth in the area and help deliver the UK's clean energy revolution.
"The UK Government is working closely with partners across Scotland, including Eyemouth, to invest around £1.7 billion in local projects as we deliver a decade of national renewal as part of our Plan for Change."
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, added:
“Eyemouth Harbour Trust must be commended for the work that has gone into developing this exciting Masterplan, which seeks to capitalise on various opportunities and builds upon recent investment and regeneration activities.
“Scottish Borders Council will continue to support the Trust to turn this ambitious vision into reality, protect and create employment opportunities and secure public and private sector investment into the town.”
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