As part of Eyemouth Harbour Trust’s (EHT) long-term strategic review, the Trust are currently exploring options in safeguarding the future and maximising the potential of the harbour for the generations beyond.
Part of this review explores the potential for Eyemouth to support the Scottish Government’s ambition to grow port capacity on Scotland’s east coast that serves not only the offshore wind sector but delivers a wider economic benefit for Scotland’s coastal communities.
The Scottish Government through the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC) and the Collaborative Framework Working Group (CFWG) has been tasked with looking ahead and driving delivery with regards offshore development in the North Sea off the Scottish East Coast.
Port authorities on the east coast have been invited to contribute potential projects that could provide additional capacity and services to accommodate the extra requirements from offshore wind without displacing any existing sectors. Consideration of all potential ports shall be explored through individual prospectuses, offering unique insight of each area, commercial advantages and benefits in terms of output metrics to support the marine renewables market.
A recent online survey carried out locally, supports exploration of future opportunities for Eyemouth Harbour in the context of potential to support growth in several marine sectors, namely fishing, marine tourism and offshore renewables.
The Trust recognises that Eyemouth’s potential deserves to be considered alongside other east coast ports and as such, enabling engagement in this process, EHT, with support from SOSE and SBC have taken tentative steps to explore opportunities further and in doing so have carried out a high-level technical review of historical harbour expansion feasibility studies, and are sharing the findings with stakeholders, so that their views are considered. This work has also enabled a prospectus outlining the potential for Eyemouth Harbour, alongside competitors, to be produced, ensuring that Eyemouth and the opportunities that it presents are shown on a national stage.
“Eyemouth with its favourable position on the coast has provided safe harbour and shelter to vessels over the generations and now has the potential opportunity to develop further and support the supply chain to the North Sea and continued expansion in the offshore wind sector. This potential opportunity to play an increased future significant role to the North Sea and beyond presents the possibilities of major economic benefits to the town and community, whilst securing further the harbour’s legacy for future generations.” Donald Duggan, Chair, Eyemouth Harbour Trust.
Consideration of Eyemouth, alongside large east coast ports, offers a valuable opportunity for the town, accelerating the long-term vision and securing the future of the harbour. This exploratory work is at an early phase, and the ongoing process involves engagement and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including Scottish Government (Department for Transport), Scottish Borders Council (SBC), South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), regulatory authorities, harbour users and the wider community.
SOSE CEO Jane Morrison-Ross said “SOSE are proud to have worked closely with Eyemouth Harbour Trust (EHT) and SBC to support the bid from Eyemouth and to help develop the investment prospectus. We are excited by what the potential harbour and offshore wind opportunities mean for the local community, and wider region, and will eagerly await further updates. We see this a key part of the wider ambition and plans for Eyemouth. “
Councillor Scott Hamilton, SBC’s Executive Member for Community and Business Development, said: “Eyemouth Harbour Trust has developed and delivered a number of projects over many years which have sought to support the local economy, and I am delighted that the Council and other partners are continuing to support the Trust’s efforts with the latest piece of work to maximise the potential of the harbour.”
Further updates, opportunities to engage and the most pertinent questions shall be addressed and be made available on the Trust’s website: https://www.eyemouth-harbour.co.uk/