Published: Thursday, 5th June, 2008 8:05am

Boost for harbour

HARBOUR facilities at North Berwick are set to receive a timely boost, with two major improvement projects in the pipeline to help the port fulfill its tourist potential.

North Berwick Harbour Trust Association (NBHTA) is drawing up plans to upgrade Galloway"s Pier and build a new landing pontoon to enable more passengers to embark and disembark safely from cruise boats.

Applications will shortly be made to the Tyne Esk Leader, an organisation supported by East Lothian Council and the Scottish government, for economic development grants towards the cost of the schemes, which NHBTA officials believe will prove highly beneficial to the town"s economy.

The moves follow a meeting of harbour management with Scottish Seabird Centre chief executive Tom Brock, council economic development supremo Susan Smith and council leader, Councillor David Berry.

Mr Berry, who organised the meeting, has expressed concern over the harbour"s relatively low usage.

He said: 'At Seahouses in Northumberland, there are 14 different boats sailing to and from the Farne Islands out of that harbour.

'Last year, these boats carried some 80,000 visitors. I"m concerned that we are not developing the business side of North Berwick Harbour as well as we might.'

In recent years, only three charter/tourist boats have operated out of North Berwick. That number rose to four on Friday with the launch of a wildlife sightseeing service to the Bass Rock and Craigleith run jointly by the seabird centre and Seafari Adventures of Queensferry. A second boat will be added from July.

Refurbishment of Galloway"s Pier, the main low water landing point at the harbour, would involve installation of fendering around the pier to protect boats. And a new metal grill surface will be considered, with handrails and steps down to the boats.

Prior to the First World War, Galloway"s Pier was used by large steamers coming from Leith, but NBHTA spokesman Derek Braid said that returning the pier to its original form when it could be used at all states of the tide was 'very unlikely'.

A floating landing pontoon on the outside south harbour wall would probably allow for up to three boats to berth comfortably. Ramps or sloping steps would connect the pontoon to the harbour.

Currently, the only access for passengers for boats tied up to the outside harbour wall is by vertical steps.

A third project to refurbish the changing rooms used by divers and others, is also under consideration.

'These projects would greatly increase the capacity of the harbour for commercial boats and passengers,' said Mr Braid.

Jane McMinn, a partner in Wild Gull Charters Ltd, which operates the "Braveheart" out of North Berwick, is also on the harbour management team. She said: 'I think the proposed improvements are a good idea from a public safety point of view. There is going to be an increase in usage now that the seabird centre has got in on the act.'