FISHERROW Harbour was a hive of activity recently for the annual craning out of the yachts.

Harbourmaster Alex Stewart said 27 vessels were hoisted from water on to the quayside to undergo maintenance and protect them from severe weather during the winter.

He added that the craning out operation, which took about four hours, went smoothly and members of the public were kept back by a cordon which was put in place.

The boats will be craned back into the harbour in April.

Local photographer Angus Bathgate was on hand to record the spectacle.

Dinghy sailing and racing continues into the autumn at Fisherrow Yacht Club, supported by its safety boat. Now a recognised training centre of the Royal Yachting Association, there have been more training sessions, sailing and racing this season than ever before.

Barbara Robertson, the club’s general secretary, said: “We are always open to new members and are delighted to be teaching so many juniors to sail. They have had huge fun and success in this our diamond jubilee year.”

The club has several dinghies of varied sizes and styles for members’ use. They are stored in the dinghy park to the east of the harbour.

There are about 20 rings on the promenade between the harbour and the club where more dinghies are tied down to keep them safe in all weathers. This was arranged some years ago with East Lothian Council and is reported as working very well.

Many other yachts with moorings in the harbour are owned privately and some of the sailors are members of the Fisherrow Berth Holders’ Association.