The Scottish Government's Marine Directorate has granted permission for East Lothian Council to proceed with the clear up and preparation work within North Berwick Harbour.

The Council has now appointed specialist marine engineers, Royal Haskoning DSV, and marine construction company, Southbay.

With low tides expected next week, the initial work will focus on clearing material and recovering original stone from the damaged harbour wall. Clearance of the breach material within the harbour is expected to take up to five days, with a site compound in the process of being set up.

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Council officers have worked in partnership with North Berwick Harbour Trust over the last few months, planning for remedial works in the harbour. It has been necessary to follow due process including procurement procedures and to appoint specialist marine consultants and contractors, all in line with marine licensing requirements.

Reuse of the existing materials is a priority and once the breach material is retrieved from the harbour a review will be made to determine the extent of loss or damage beyond repair for key components.

A timeline for the second phase of work, which would include the actual formal repairs to the damaged harbour wall, will be established and advised in due course once the necessary permissions are in place.