As reported in last week’s paper, Fringe by the Sea at North Berwick Harbour was, as ever, deemed a great success.

With the physical size of the event growing year on year, the logistics of squeezing it into the esplanade/dinghy park are, under normal circumstances, a challenge and this year the process was complicated further by the contractors compound involved in the major refit of Galloway Pier utilising a considerable portion of available space.

Add to the mix the Law Race and the early arrival of participants for a major sailing event and it is self-evident that it was a very busy place with a great buzz.

It is therefore credit to the diverse groups who use the harbour, from those that make a living from it, the residents and the various clubs and individuals who enjoy it for recreational use, that all parties worked together throughout the week to make it happen.

This type of community support and spirit is most heartening as we as an organisation move to full trust status, giving us ownership of the area, and is invaluable as we seek external funding to fulfil our ambitions for the further development of the area, including the necessity for the building of a fit-for-purpose sea defence system.

Gerry Hughes Chairman North Berwick Harbour Trust Association