East Lothian Courier | News | Boatyard renaissance

Friday, 16th May, 2008

Published: Thursday, 17th April, 2008 08:10

Boatyard renaissance

THE first vessel to be repaired at historic Cockenzie Boatyard for more than two years is due to sail into the harbour tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon.

The 58-ft Danish trawler, Amazing Grace, is expected to arrive on the high tide and will be the first job at the re-opened yard.

This is the fourth time that the boat has been scheduled for arrival at the harbour, but each attempt has been foiled by bad weather.

The trawler, which was built in the 1940s, will have its motor repaired, its hull restored, and painting and renovation work done on it.

Boatyard manager Simon Sawers is desperate to start work on the boat, which is currently berthed at Granton Harbour.

He said: “The three false starts have made me even more keen to start work on it.

“I won't be able to say with any certainty, if and when, it will arrive on Saturday, but I am hoping that we will get better luck with the weather this time.

“We are looking for local people with boat-building skills to help us build up the business.”

Ironically, the boatyard was saved from the threat of being turned into housing when it was bought last September by Edinburgh property developer David Mackman, founder of Scottishapartment.com.

Mr Mackman sought funding from various banks for the purchase, but was told that the risk was too high.

He then approached chairman of Scottishapartment.com, Greg Scorziello, who is based in the United States.

Mr Scorziello agreed to provide the money necessary for the regeneration of the boatyard to take place.

The boatyard was a large supplier of boats throughout the Second World War.

It won contracts from the Admiralty to build motor launches, landing craft, motor fishing vessels and cabin cruisers.

Post-war, the demand shifted towards steel-hulled vessels.

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