FOUR new electronic davits, used principally for loading and unloading fish boxes, have been installed along Dunbar’s south pier.

The new structures came through funding from the European Fisheries Fund and the Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG).

Dunbar Harbour Trust director Barry Fisher is a member of FLAG and expressed his appreciation for the funding, which is only available to harbours with active fishing fleets.

He said: “We are particularly pleased that we have been able to keep most of this money within the Dunbar economy.

“The building work has been done by A G Thompson and it is particularly exciting that the davits have been fabricated by A Watt & Son in Dunbar.” This is a new development for A Watt & Son and Iain Watt is looking forward to making the most of the opportunity.

He said: “I have enjoyed delivering this new and exciting project and look forward to manufacturing davits for other local ports.

“I have particularly enjoyed working with Dunbar Harbour Trust and the way it is supporting local fisherman and contractors.” New electricity and water supplies are being installed for the fishing fleet and this work is also being done by local Dunbar contractors.

John Fairgrieve Snr, chairman of Dunbar Fishermen’s Association, also welcomed the investment.

“Our members will be very happy to see the new davits plus power and water by the maintenance bay just in time for the summer season”, he added.

“We are discussing with Dunbar Harbour Trust additional improvements to the facilities we need to help secure the future of fishing in Dunbar.

“We hope we can make other announcements in due course.”