Eyemouth, the southernmost commercial port on Scotland’s east coast, is set for its most significant transformation in more than a century with an ambitious £250 million deep-water harbour project designed to boost offshore wind and secure long-term economic growth.

The redevelopment, presented as part of the Eyemouth Harbour Master Plan, positions the town as a key hub in the UK’s marine and offshore wind economy. Backed by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and led by Eyemouth Harbour Trust (EHT), the plan lays out a 50-year strategic vision to create new deep-water facilities that will support multiple sectors, from offshore wind and fishing to leisure boating, cruises, and freight transport.

A £250 million vision for the next 50 years

The new infrastructure will feature 700 metres of quay berth, a water depth of 10 metres, and two hectares of storage space. There are also opportunities to develop local authority-owned land for mixed-use, potentially supporting supply chain activities linked to offshore wind.

The Master Plan has been shaped by extensive stakeholder engagement and public consultation and seeks to address longstanding operational limitations at the port, including restricted berth space, shallow water depth, and ageing infrastructure. The project will safeguard Eyemouth’s fishing heritage while opening new opportunities for traditional and emerging marine industries to grow in parallel.

Christine Bell, Chief Executive of Eyemouth Harbour Trust, underlined the importance of the plan: “This is about securing the future of the port and the town. Eyemouth’s history and culture were built on fishing, but its future must also lie in seizing opportunities in renewable energy, marine tourism, and innovation to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. This Master Plan can help us achieve that.”

Economic and social benefits

If delivered, the plan could generate more than £20 million in additional Gross Value Added (GVA) annually for the local economy, safeguard existing fishing jobs, create sustainable new employment opportunities, and unlock broader benefits such as tourism, skills development, and local supply chain growth. It also aims to strengthen coastal resilience against future climate impacts and erosion.

The geographical location of Eyemouth provides a strategic advantage. Situated close to several key offshore wind projects licensed by Crown Estate Scotland, and within reach of potential developments in English waters, the port is ideally placed to play a central role in supporting the long-term growth of the offshore wind supply chain on both sides of the border.

Community support and timeline

Public consultation showed strong local backing for the project, with 80% of respondents rating the harbour expansion as a high or medium priority. Subject to funding, feasibility, and regulatory approvals, construction could begin before the end of this decade, with operations expected to start by 2031.

EHT has already secured additional funding through the UK Government’s Community Renewal Partnership Fund, managed by Scottish Borders Council, to advance feasibility work and prepare a detailed business plan. Environmental impact assessments will also be launched.

Political and institutional backing

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray welcomed the launch of the Master Plan, describing it as “a key milestone towards achieving a significant transformation of the town’s harbour and a vision that will drive economic growth in the area while helping to deliver the UK’s clean energy revolution.”

He highlighted the broader commitment of the UK Government to regeneration projects across Scotland: “We are working closely with partners, including Eyemouth, to invest around £1.7 billion in local projects as part of our Plan for Change and national renewal strategy.”

Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Economic Growth and Regeneration at Scottish Borders Council, praised EHT’s work: “This exciting Master Plan seeks to capitalise on multiple opportunities and builds on recent investment and regeneration activity. The Council will continue to support Eyemouth Harbour Trust in making this vision a reality.”

Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), echoed this view: “The Eyemouth Harbour Master Plan represents a huge economic opportunity for Eyemouth and the wider Scottish Borders. This long-term vision has earned significant support from SOSE and Scottish Borders Council, recognising the transformation the harbour can bring — particularly in offshore wind.”

Eyemouth has been a working port for more than 250 years, with its first pier built in 1747, though its natural harbour has been used for trade since the 13th century. The Master Plan marks a turning point, ensuring the port not only survives but thrives as a vital hub for Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions while preserving its fishing traditions.

“Eyemouth is geographically and strategically well placed, but we need the right infrastructure,” added Bell. “This Master Plan ensures we can contribute to the energy transition while protecting the industries that built this town.”