A trial of a “safe promenade” scheme at Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh over the summer has been hailed a success by organisers.

Carried out by the Fisherrow Harbour & Seafront Association (FHSA) amid fears about “near misses” between children and vehicles, a winter layout, which maintains a traffic-free route, is set to continue.

During the summer, the altered layout used spaces left by boats that had been craned into the harbour and the route was separated from vehicles by wooden planters.

Claire Tochel, a FHSA seafront volunteer, said: “The boats have just been craned back out of Fisherrow Harbour for the winter, which means that the summer trial of the traffic-free ‘Safe Prom’ pathway has come to an end.”

She stressed that feedback on the scheme was “overwhelmingly positive”, which was shown, in part, by frequent use of the two new wheelchair-friendly picnic benches.

“These were installed to the west of the harbour office to complement the first one, put in place near the Links earlier in the year,” she added.

The trial layout included the creation of 15 new planters, in addition to the existing 22, all of which were quickly adopted by individuals and groups, including local charities and a residential home.

Claire said: “Due to the success of the summer pathway, and with the support of East Lothian Council, FHSA are trying out a winter layout which maintains the traffic-free route.

“The planters have been moved a small distance further into the car park behind the grounded boats.

“As parking demands are considerably lower in winter, this temporary reduction of five spaces – in addition to those taken up by the boats – is not expected to have a significant impact on parking availability.”

She explained: “The colour and interest which the Fisherrow planters brought to the harbour and seafront areas has been further enhanced by the donation of a boat by Fisherrow Yacht Club.

“This has been incorporated into the design of the flower bed just to the east of the harbour at the flagpole, which offers a brighter welcome to people entering Fisherrow along New Street.”

This year, Musselburgh Racecourse and the award-winning East Coast restaurant joined forces to raise funds for community projects undertaken by FHSA.

The ‘East Coast Harbour Race’ was due to take place during the Musselburgh Gold Cup family race day but was cancelled due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

It is hoped the event will go ahead next year

Claire added: “As part of this summer’s very successful Harbour Festival, several local photographers and the Musselburgh Museum kindly shared some stunning images capturing some of the definitive features of Fisherrow – seabirds, fishing and rowing boats, sculpture and architecture, historical views of the beach and sunsets over the Forth.

“These were printed into large lamppost wraps, displayed around the harbour, and have attracted many positive comments.”

She added: “Work on the harbour’s east mooring chain was completed this summer, so upgrading the remaining harbour ladders is the next priority.

“The FHSA have been trying to identify people with the appropriate skills and experience to carry out this specialist job and secure sufficient funding.

“The lack of dry workshop spaces for boat users is another local challenge for which the FHSA are trying to seek a solution.”

Feedback on the winter traffic layout will continue to be collected both via email (safe prom@fhsa.org.uk) and in person at the harbour.

People are welcome to join the waiting list for a planter when these are reallocated in the spring. See www.fhsa.org.uk/planters for details.