Partnership was key to completing work at North Berwick Harbour

Partnership working between East Lothian Council, Marine Scotland, RHDHV, Southbay, East Coast Masonry, the North Berwick Harbour Trust and members of the public was key to funding and completing the work at storm-damaged North Berwick Harbour wall.

The wall was extensively damaged on 30 October 2023 during high tides and severe stormy weather.

The first phase of the work involved East Lothian Council obtaining the necessary permissions and support from the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate to proceed with the clear up and preparation work within the harbour.

Royal Haskoning DHV (specialist marine engineers) and Southbay (a marine construction company) were appointed at this stage and work involved clearance of more than 500 tonnes of material displaced by the breach of the wall. 

Council officers, working in partnership with North Berwick Harbour Trust, planned the works in line with marine licensing requirements which included the reuse of the existing materials.

The second phase involved the repair work, which was carried out by East Coast Masonry.

East Lothian Council Leader Norman Hampshire said:

"This was a complicated engineering project that could have taken far longer if it had not been for the partnership work involved and the dedication of all partners and members of the public to fund and progress this work as quickly as possible. I’m delighted that the work is now complete and the harbour is fully operational for the benefit of the local businesses who rely on it, local residents and visitors."

Andrew Duns, Treasurer of North Berwick Harbour Trust, said:

“We are delighted to have been able to re-open the walkway and to see the wall completed and the harbour repaired and restored back to its historic looks. It’s been an amazing effort from the community and the support from everyone has enabled all the work to be completed. It’s been humbling for the Harbour Trust to have so much brilliant support in terms of effort, money and moral support and shows how important the harbour is to the local community. It’s a great example of where we work together, we can complete great things.”

Funding for the repairs came from East Lothian Council, the Marine Directorate, North Berwick Trust, North Berwick Harbour Trust, and a Justgiving page which saw members of the public donate £42,783.