A PLAN is under way to transform the final two ash lagoons at Levenhall, Musselburgh, into a major Scottish attraction for birdwatchers following the closure of Cockenzie Power Station.

ScottishPower is hoping to get consent from East Lothian Council to restore the sites – the last in operation before the coal-fired power station shut in 2013, after more than four decades of electricity production.

Waste ash from the energy plant was transported via pipes to the lagoons, which are located on the seaward side of Musselburgh Racecourse.

A large part of the 120-hectare ash lagoons has already been reclaimed, grassed and transferred into East Lothian Council ownership, providing a rich habitat for wildlife, and the last two look set to follow suit.

They form part of the Firth of Forth Special Protection Area and one closest to the mouth of the River Esk has been designated as an internationally important Ramsar site, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its value to wading birds.

ScottishPower intends to submit a planning application to East Lothian Council at the end of the year to preserve and improve the biodiversity potential of the lagoons and protect their environmental designations.

As part of the Habitats Regulations Appraisal process, the company has to carry out an appropriate assessment to consider whether the restoration proposals will have a significant impact on the Firth of Forth.

The mounds of ash will be reformed and grass planted. Water management will be carried out and bird hides installed, similar to the work already undertaken at the other lagoons.

There is a potential for noise to be generated in the short term, but working hours will be limited, and dust suppression techniques will be employed as necessary.

The company is now consulting with the local community and is inviting feedback as part of its Proposal of Application Notice for the project.

George Camps, project manager at ScottishPower, said: “The ash lagoons were an important part of Cockenzie’s story and they are a lasting reminder of the station’s 40 years of power production.

“We are working closely with a number of stakeholders to develop our plans to ensure that the lagoons remain an important sanctuary for local wildlife.”

The restoration plan has been designed to “complement” existing facilities, and “sensitively manage the mixed demands of the site”.

It is anticipated that the completed project will “provide a major attraction for birdwatchers visiting Scotland” and deliver “an off-site boost” to business services such as shops, restaurants, accommodation and other service providers in the area.

It is hoped it will enhance the experience of people using the John Muir Way, offer educational opportunities for local schools and visitors, allow dog walkers and cyclists to continue to make use of the site, while protecting sensitive areas from disturbance.

Areas that are known to be attractive to rare species will be protected and a “rich mosaic” of scarce habitats that are valuable to biodiversity will be provided.

Jason Rose, chairman of the Friends of Levenhall Links, who is pressing for the area to be granted nature reserve status, welcomed the work.

He said: “I understand ScottishPower are gathering wider community views on the plans to restore the lagoons, and I welcome that. The plans enjoy support from a wide range of interest groups already and I’m hopeful we will see work starting on site in the not too distant future.

“The lagoon nearest the mouth of the Esk has lain in a very poor condition for some time and has potential to become a haven for bird life. The lagoon nearest Prestongrange is in line for a different treatment, so that it becomes a marshy area that encourages invertebrates and other wildlife.

“We could see a really joined-up piece of work that supports one of the UK’s premier birdwatching sites, improves accessibility and ensures the community retains a vital leisure and wellbeing asset.”

The restoration plan will be on show at the RSPB’s Big Nature Festival Centre at the lagoons on Saturday and Sunday,from 10am to 5pm. Another consultation event will be held at the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh on Thursday, August 25, from 9am to 8pm.