Eyemouth Harbour Masterplan

• The Masterplan is a long-term strategic plan for harbour growth and transformation
• Eyemouth Harbour Trust (EHT) is a statutory independent trust port
• The Masterplan has been developed from community consultation during 2023–2025 via surveys, public events, and stakeholder engagement
• The Masterplan comprises a range of proposals, including a new deep water multi-user port facility, installation of more pontoons, fixing the sluice gate and improving the infrastructure within the existing harbour. The aim is to deliver these projects over the next decade. The estimated cost of developing the Masterplan is circa £250 million – a more accurate figure will be available as the projects are developed in more detail
• The new deepwater port is proposed to be located east of the current harbour entrance, toward Hurkar Rocks
• Earliest construction start date for the deepwater port is late 2029 with a target completion of 2031
• Infrastructure proposed includes 700m of quay, 10m depth of water below Chart Datum, 2 hectares laydown area, heavy lift zones, provision for shore power (and alternative fuels) in the future
• Focus on offshore wind, fishing, marine leisure, cruise, cargo, skills and innovation sectors
• The Masterplan would create 100+ direct jobs; with more in supply chain and support industries
• Additional GVA to local economy is estimated at £20 million per year
• Full Environmental Impact Assessment and statutory consents are required and there will be further extensive consultation throughout those processes

The Masterplan is a long-term strategic blueprint developed by EHT and the harbour’s stakeholders to guide the future development of the harbour over the next 20 years and beyond. It outlines infrastructure improvements, economic opportunities, and environmental considerations to safeguard and grow marine activity in Eyemouth, while delivering benefits for the local economy and community. All proposals are subject to change and are currently in an early, exploratory phase.

There is increasing demand for berthing and marine services due to offshore wind industry growth and broader port infrastructure needs in the UK. Eyemouth risks being overlooked without action. Nationally, port capacity is limited for offshore developments, and Eyemouth is well-positioned to respond. Locally, the community and stakeholders have supported the idea of modernising and futureproofing the harbour. The Masterplan aims to respond to these trends while recognising that all proposals are in early development and will evolve.

The Masterplan proposes:

• A new deep-water port facility with 700m of multi-use quay, 10m water depth below Chart Datum, heavy lift zones, and 2 hectares of laydown area
• Improvements to the existing harbour including installation of new pontoons, fixing the sluice gate and refurbishing the harbour office
• Strengthening partnership working with the fishing industry
• Development and roll-out of green and digital strategies to ensure Eyemouth Harbour’s facilities remain sustainable, relevant and competitive

Environmental protection is a top priority. A full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be undertaken to examine any potential impacts on wave conditions, sediment movement, marine ecology, and local amenities. Coastal changes, including potential enhancements like beach nourishment and flood protection, will be carefully studied. The project will follow best environmental practices throughout and will follow stringent regulatory processes.

A comprehensive EIA process is being prepared. Key statutory requirements will include:

• Marine Construction Licence
• Dredging & Sea Disposal Licence
• European Protected Species Licence
• SSSI Consent (Eyemouth is adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest)
• Crown Estate seabed leases
• Planning and Harbour Revision Orders

Mitigation strategies will be developed to avoid or minimise environmental harm. All final proposals will be shaped by environmental findings.

The project is being led by EHT, supported by Scottish Borders Council and South of Scotland Enterprise. Technical advisors have been appointed to develop the proposals; Fisher Advisory produced the Masterplan and are now developing an Outline Business Case (OBC) which will be completed early 2026; Mott MacDonald have been appointed to deliver the Eyemouth Bay and Harbour Marine Engineering Concept Study which will explore potential flood, wave and sediment impacts associated with the existing harbour and proposed deepwater port development.

A high-level conceptual design was produced by engineering experts, Arch Henderson, based on a set of outline requirements around water depth, berthing, quayside space and protection for the existing harbour. This design comprised a facility extending from the foreshore northeast of the harbour entrance, towards the Hurkar Rocks.

The current engineering study will review this concept design and the exact orientation, dimensions and boundaries will depend on technical, environmental, and financial studies - some of which are already underway and altogether will form part of the OBC and a broader EIA process.

If funding and consents proceed as expected:

• Development and consent processes: 2025–2029
• Construction: 2 years (earliest possible start in late 2029)
• Operational by: 2031 at the earliest

The initial cost estimate is £180 million, rising to approximately £250 million including inflation and contingency. This figure will be refined through the business case and funding stages.

Funding is likely to be a combination of investment models and EHT and partners continue to explore investment options including:

• UK and Scottish public sector funding
• Private investment
• Loan and debt financing

The early development stages have been supported by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and Community Regeneration Partnership.

Community consultation for the Masterplan began in 2023, including:

• A public survey with over 180 responses
• Interviews with harbour users and a wide range of key stakeholders
• Public drop-in sessions and presentations (Aug & Dec 2024)
• A formal 5-week public consultation (Dec 2024–Jan 2025)
• Ongoing engagement through the Harbour Users Group and wider stakeholders

Forecasted benefits include:

• At least 100 direct jobs, plus supply chain and indirect roles
• Up to £20 million/year in additional local Gross Value Added (GVA)
• Support for existing fishing and tourism jobs
• New opportunities in offshore wind, research, logistics, and training/skills development
• Increased investment in housing, transport, and public services

The Masterplan is designed to:

• Secure long-term economic stability for Eyemouth and the wider region
• Safeguard existing industries and support new ones
• Improve resilience to coastal erosion and flooding
• Expand job and skills opportunities for young people and families
• Support tourism, marine leisure, and local enterprise

Yes. The Masterplan offers:

• Opportunities for local contractors and suppliers
• Jobs in construction, marine services, logistics, and renewables
• Space for new businesses at the expanded harbour
• A stronger year-round economy driven by maritime related activity

The Masterplan was shaped directly by feedback from a range of harbour user groups, including fishermen, marine leisure boat owners, charter boat operators, harbour tenants, the boatyard, and other local businesses. It includes:

• Infrastructure improvements within the existing harbour
• Installation of new pontoons within the existing harbour
• There will be additional berthing opportunities and new quayside space within the new facility – this will be multi-use and could open new opportunities for existing harbour users
• With more laydown in the new port area there will be more opportunity to create improved access, storage and working areas for existing and new users Continued focus on Eyemouth as a working harbour

Access and parking will be enhanced, and the specific requirements will be considered at the detailed design stage. The current harbour has good road links and minimal town centre impact, and future expansion will seek to preserve that.

Engaging with stakeholders and the community will be an ongoing and important part of developing the Masterplan proposals. There will be a range of opportunities for you to obtain information and provide feedback:

• Specific community consultation events at key points during the development of the proposals – this will include statutory consultation as part of the EIA and planning processes as well as more informal drop-in sessions
• Eyemouth Harbour Trust website www.eyemouth-harbour.co.uk/eyemouth-harbour-masterplan
• Public consultation events
• Direct contact with the Harbour team

Key next steps include:

• Finalising the Masterplan post-consultation – this will be published end August 2025
• Developing a full Outline Business Case (OBC) – through 2025 for completion early 2026
• Undertaking technical and environmental studies – starting in 2025
• Securing funding and consents – starting in 2025
• Moving toward design and delivery

Like all major infrastructure projects, delivery is dependent on funding, consents, and market demand. However, Eyemouth has strategic advantages, and community support. EHT is committed to progressing the Masterplan in a phased, responsible and sustainable way, working with public and private partners as well as the community.

The Masterplan has been designed with flexibility in mind. While offshore wind is a major growth driver, the proposals also support fishing, cruise, marine leisure, cargo, and environmental innovation. This diversified approach helps protect Eyemouth’s long-term economic resilience.