As part of Eyemouth Harbour Trust’s (EHT) strategic review for the port, taking a long-term view, the Trust are currently exploring options in safeguarding the future and maximising the potential of the harbour for the next 25 years and beyond.
This 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), harbour users and the wider community. 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.
Early indications from 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.
At the same time, the Scottish Government through the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC) and the Collaborative Framework Working Group (CFWG) has been tasked with looking ahead to offshore development in the North Sea off the Scottish East Coast and driving delivery. There is an appreciation that there is currently not enough port capacity along the east coast to develop and service what is planned. This seeks to coordinate efforts between public sector, investors and port authorities/operators to focus on investment in expanding port operations and ancillary facilities in an effective manner through the CFWG.
As such, 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.
This offers potential to align Eyemouth Harbour with Scottish Government’s ambition to grow port capacity whilst delivering a wider economic benefit for Eyemouth and the Southeast of Scotland for the next generation and beyond.
The Trust recognises that Eyemouth’s potential deserves to be considered alongside other east coast ports and as such, has submitted an initial expression of interest to the CFWG. There is no commitment attached to this and to enable engagement in this process, EHT, with support from SOSE and SBC are taking tentative steps to explore opportunities further and in doing so have carried out a high-level technical review of an historical harbour development feasibility study from the 1970s, with which we’d like to consult with stakeholders.
Over the coming weeks, we will be starting that process of consultation with stakeholders. In the meantime, please keep an eye on the website for further updates.
Published: 20/07/2023