Eyemouth, Scotland's most southerly commercial port on the east coast, is set for its most significant transformation in more than a century with the launch of a new £250 million deep-water harbour as part of the Eyemouth Harbour Masterplan. The ambitious plan is set to position the town as a vital hub in the UK's offshore wind and marine economy.

Backed by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund and led by Eyemouth Harbour Trust (EHT), the Masterplan sets out a strategic vision for the next 50 years. The proposed development includes a new deep-water harbour facility designed to serve multiple industries, from offshore wind and fishing to marine leisure, cruise, and cargo. The new infrastructure will feature 700m of quayside berthing, a 10m water depth, and two hectares of laydown space. There will also be opportunities for mixed-use development on local authority-owned land, potentially for supply chain activities.

The Masterplan, which has undergone extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement, aims to address existing operational constraints such as limited berthing space and shallow water depth. It is designed to support growth while safeguarding Eyemouth's fishing heritage, ensuring traditional and emerging marine industries can thrive side by side. The plans also outline wider benefits for the area, including investment in housing, transport infrastructure, skills, and significant job opportunities, while helping to protect the coastline from future climate change impacts and erosion.

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Due to its location on Scotland's east coast, the harbour is strategically placed near several key offshore wind developments, which will allow the EHT to support supply chain growth and marine energy services on both sides of the Border. If delivered, the Masterplan could generate over £20 million in additional annual Gross Value Added (GVA) for the local economy, safeguard existing fishing jobs, and create new sustainable jobs.

Christine Bell, Chief Executive of Eyemouth Harbour Trust, said the plan is about "future-proofing the harbour and the town." She emphasised that while Eyemouth's history is rooted in fishing, its future must also lie in securing opportunities in renewable energy and marine tourism. "Eyemouth has been a working harbour for more than 250 years, and with this Masterplan, we're making sure it stays that way, not just surviving, but thriving."

The EHT has already secured further funding through the UK Government's Community Regeneration Partnership Fund, which will be managed by Scottish Borders Council, to progress the next 12 months of activities. This will include early technical feasibility work, which will inform the design, and preparing the Outline Business Case (OBC).

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray called the Masterplan launch a "key milestone" toward delivering a significant transformation of the town's quayside. He stated that the UK Government is working closely with partners across Scotland to invest around £1.7 billion in local projects. Councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council's Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, also praised the plan, stating that the council will continue to support the Trust to turn this "ambitious vision into reality."