Eyemouth, the southernmost commercial port on Scotland’s east coast, is preparing for its most substantial redevelopment in over 100 years. Plans are underway to create a new £250 million deep-water harbour, part of the ambitious Eyemouth Harbour Masterplan, which aims to establish the town as a key player in the UK’s offshore wind and marine sectors.
Spearheaded by Eyemouth Harbour Trust (EHT) and supported by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the Masterplan outlines a 50-year strategic vision. At its core is the development of a deep-water facility to support a range of industries—including offshore wind, fishing, marine leisure, cruise tourism, and cargo. The proposed infrastructure will include 700 metres of quayside berthing, 10 metres of water depth, and two hectares of laydown space. Additional local authority-owned land may also be used for supply chain development and mixed-use purposes.
Having undergone extensive stakeholder engagement and public consultation, the Masterplan addresses longstanding operational challenges such as limited berthing space, shallow water, and aging infrastructure. The harbour’s history stretches back to the 13th century, with its first pier built in 1747.
The vision seeks to balance growth with the preservation of Eyemouth’s fishing heritage, allowing traditional and emerging marine industries to coexist. The Masterplan also proposes broader benefits, including investment in housing, transportation, skills development, and climate resilience—safeguarding the coastline against future erosion and environmental impacts.
Eyemouth’s strategic location on Scotland’s east coast places it near several key offshore wind projects licensed by Crown Estate Scotland, with further potential in English waters. This geographical advantage positions EHT to support long-term marine energy service and supply chain growth across the UK.
If implemented, the project could generate over £20 million in additional annual Gross Value Added (GVA) for the local economy. It would also protect existing fishing jobs, create new sustainable employment, and offer wider benefits in tourism, skills, and supply chain expansion.
Public feedback has been largely positive—80% of respondents in the consultation rated the harbour expansion as a high or medium priority. Pending funding, feasibility studies, and regulatory approval, construction could begin later this decade, with operations potentially starting by 2031.
“This is about futureproofing the harbour and the town,” said Christine Bell, Chief Executive of Eyemouth Harbour Trust. “While Eyemouth’s identity is rooted in fishing, its future lies in renewable energy, marine tourism, and innovation. This Masterplan can secure that legacy for generations to come.
“Eyemouth has been a working harbour for more than 250 years. With this plan, we’re ensuring it doesn’t just survive—but thrives. It’s a vision built through deep engagement with harbour users, businesses, the local community, Scottish Borders Council, and South of Scotland Enterprise. Eyemouth is strategically placed—we now need the infrastructure to match that potential.”
EHT has secured additional funding from the UK Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership Fund—administered by Scottish Borders Council—to support the next 12 months of activity. This includes early technical feasibility work and preparation of the Outline Business Case (OBC), as well as initiating the environmental impact assessment process.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray described the launch as “a key milestone” for the town’s redevelopment and economic growth. “The UK Government is proud to support this vision as part of our wider investment of around £1.7 billion in local projects across Scotland,” he said.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Economic Growth at Scottish Borders Council, praised the Trust’s work, adding: “We will continue supporting the Trust to turn this vision into reality—protecting and creating jobs and attracting further investment.”
Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, also backed the plan: “The Eyemouth Harbour Masterplan represents a major economic opportunity for both the town and the wider region, especially in the context of offshore wind. We are proud to support this long-term transformation.”
