I refer to your report on the proposed energy park at Cockenzie and Mr Gray’s comment on it.

One aspect that has been ignored is the possible effect on currents in the Firth of Forth.

When the new harbour was built at Port Seton in the 19th century, the harbour architects made a serious mistake. As a result, the rather odd sea wall through the middle of the harbour had to be built. More to the point, a current in the sea must have been deflected as it was from that time that the silting up of Aberlady Bay started. The result was that Aberlady, which had been an important port for centuries, lost its port and the fishing industry went with it.

To my knowledge, when the power station was built, the effect the building would have on currents in the sea was not considered. It is noticeable, however, that, since then, the silting process in Aberlady Bay has accelerated. It would be interesting to know if any similar effects have been noted elsewhere.

Whatever is done with the power station site, past experience shows that currents in the sea are liable to be deflected and this can have a significant effect further along the coast. The matter of the energy park is therefore not limited to Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton.

Without proper investigation, the nagging suspicion remains that any part, large or small, of the whole coast of the county, from Musselburgh to North Berwick, can be at risk. The matter has to be considered.

George Hope Aberlady