A mural highlighting rising levels of marine waste and the importance of conservation has been approved for North Berwick Harbour.

The artwork will be located on an eight-metre stretch of harbour esplanade wall, where popular west-facing benches giving views of the harbour are located, and will depict a beach scene, the Bass Rock, and include an interpretation board explaining the meaning of the piece.

North Berwick Harbour Trust applied to East Lothian Council for planning permission for the mural on behalf of sponsors Jerba Campervans and Caledonian Horticulture; artist Julie Barnes, of Aberlady, hopes it will be in place for next Easter.

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It will be made from about 27,000 pieces of plastic collected from beaches across the county, highlighting marine waste on Scotland’s coastline.

The design will be split into eight sections bolted onto the esplanade wall, with the intention of being temporarily removed during winter months.

Some objections to the proposed mural claimed the installation would be “out of character with the historical and architectural values” of the harbour.

The planning officer’s report detailed how the piece would create a “thriving, vibrant appearance” in the harbour area.

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The report added: “It would be viewed as part of the overall harbour scene and would complement the listed harbour, its setting and the wider historic environment.

“It would not be harmful to the special architectural or historic interest of the wall, a listed building, or be harmful to the character or appearance of this part of North Berwick Conservation Area.”

The temporary and removable nature of the mural also influenced the planning officer’s decision, as it would not result in a permanent change to the wall.

Historic Environment Scotland was consulted by planners but offered no comment.

Simon Poole, chairman of Jerba Campervans, was delighted to see the project get the green light.

He said: “Hopefully, this mural will chime with a range of audiences and will be a fun talking point that will contribute towards people changing their habits, which, in turn, will lead to a cleaner marine environment.”

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Jane McMinn, chairperson of North Berwick Harbour Trust, added: “I really like and appreciate the investment of time, effort and finance from many parts of the community in the harbour, plus the educational content of plastics and beach cleaning.”