Harbour expansion plans land funding support

Multi-million pound plans to expand a south of Scotland harbour into a major hub for the UK's offshore wind and marine economy have secured support.

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

Eyemouth Harbour Trust (EHT) has secured a £1.4m award from The Crown Estate's Supply Chain Accelerator towards delivery of the technical work required for the next stage of its proposed £250m deep water expansion.

If delivered, it has been estimated the proposals could be worth millions to the local economy and create 200 new jobs, while safeguarding employment in the fishing industry.

The scheme has been backed by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund and is being led by the EHT.

It 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.

Its location near a number of planned offshore wind farm developments is seen as a key element in the expansion proposals.

The latest funding - which needs to be match funded - will deliver the full business case, environmental impact assessment and site investigation required to move the project towards "investment-ready stage".

This phase will establish the engineering, environmental and financial detail needed to confirm feasibility.

EHT chief executive Christine Bell said securing the award was a "significant step" for the project and an endorsement of its plans for the area.

"Delivering the masterplan is about putting in place the infrastructure that will position Eyemouth as a key player in the offshore wind and maritime supply chain, while supporting local employment and strengthening the harbour's role in driving the regional economy," she said.