Eyemouth Harbour Trust has revealed a £250 million masterplan aimed at transforming the east coast port with a new deep-water facility designed to serve the offshore wind, fishing, and marine industries.
The project envisions delivering 700 metres of quayside, a 10-metre water depth, and two hectares of laydown space, along with potential land for supply chain development.
The trust described the masterplan as a 50-year vision intended to overcome limitations such as shallow berths and ageing infrastructure while preserving the town’s fishing heritage.
“Eyemouth’s history and culture is born from fishing, but its future must also lie in securing opportunities in renewable energy, marine tourism and innovation to deliver a lasting legacy for future generations,” said Christine Bell, chief executive of Eyemouth Harbour Trust. “Eyemouth has been a working harbour for more than 250 years, and with this masterplan, we’re making sure it stays that way, not just surviving, but thriving.”
The harbour’s proximity to offshore wind projects licensed by Crown Estate Scotland positions it as a potential hub for supply chain growth supporting developments in Scotland and northern England.
If realised, the plans could generate more than £20 million in annual gross value added, safeguard existing fishing jobs, create new employment opportunities, and boost tourism and skills development in the area.
Construction is expected to start later this decade, subject to funding and approvals, with operations potentially commencing by 2031.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray welcomed the plan, calling it “a key milestone towards delivering a significant transformation of the town’s quayside” and said it would help “deliver the UK’s clean energy revolution.”
Scottish Borders councillor Scott Hamilton added the project would “capitalise on various opportunities and build upon recent investment and regeneration activities.”
Russel Griggs, chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, described the masterplan as “a massive economic opportunity for Eyemouth and the Scottish Borders, particularly around offshore wind.”
