Newsletter November 2006

Chairman's Message

At a recent Board meeting of the Dunbar Harbour Trust (the Trust) it was recognised that communication of the Trust's activities with the harbour users and other local residents of Dunbar needed to be improved. In response to this, it was decided that we should prepare and distribute a regular newsletter which would summarise the Trust's activities and progress on its various projects.

The story so far

The Trust was established in 1999 and, under the terms of The Dunbar Revision (Transfer) Order 2004, ownership and responsibility for the harbour was transferred to the Trust with effect from 30th September 2004.

The Revision Order also established the Trust with the purposes of:-

• operating the harbour for the benefit of all its stakeholders including both port users and the local community;
• maintaining and improving the harbour facilities;
• attracting new uses of the harbour and new business to the harbour;
• advancing public education concerning the harbour; and
• providing facilities in the interest of social welfare for recreation and leisure-time occupation.

The Dunbar Harbour Trust is a charitable organisation and its members are all volunteers committed to supporting and sustaining the fishing industry in Dunbar and developing the harbour for the benefit of the local community of, and visitors to, Dunbar .

If you think you can help or would like to contact us then use the feedback form on our website.

Projects

It is only two years since the ownership of the harbour was transferred to the Trust. A great number of projects are in progress and many have already been completed:-

• Installation of water and electricity supply points
• Installation of CCTV security system
• Survey and repair of harbour walls
• Repair of fishermen's memorial
• Provision of new moorings in Broadhaven
• Planning for new fuel supply and distribution facility
• Repair of the lifting bridge (to be carried out by ELC)
• Regular health and safety inspections
• Erection of new signage
• Regular harbour maintenance.

Also significant progress has been made with a number of larger and longer term projects:-

• Installation of new and replacement ladders
• Construction of a hard standing
• Repair of the Cromwell harbour slipway
• Installation of a new tidal depth gauge

Two Associated Groups were set up for specific purposes.

The Vaults Investigation Group (VIG) was set up with the primary objective of carrying out an archaeological survey of the vaults at the south east corner of the harbour. Ultimately it is the objective of the VIG to had over the vaults to the Trust for potential development as a major tourist attraction at the harbour.

The McArthur's Store Building Preservation Trust (MSBPT) was set up to work jointly with the Dunbar Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) on the restoration of McArthur's Store.

Business Plan

A longer term Business Plan has been prepared based on the results of a popular survey carried out during 2005.

The key elements of this are:-

• to develop the Battery on Lamer Island as a tourist attraction
• to construct a utilities building for the provision of toilet, shower, laundry and changing facilities for harbour visitors and users. A compressor may also be installed for the benefit of divers
• to design and install interpretative panels for the education and benefit of harbour visitors and users
• to encourage the introduction of boat trips from the harbour
• to control and regulate parking around the harbour area
• to convert the harbour into a marina with 24/7 access incorporating the construction of a breakwater, lock gates and pontoons

Where are we now?

Lifting Bridge

New bridge is being fabircated and is due to be installed in January 2007.

Installation of ladders

A grant application has been submitted to the Scottish Executive Environmental and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) who have indicated possible support for the project. We are awaiting approval from Historic Scotland.

Hard Standing

A grant application has been submitted to SEERAD who have indicated possible support for the project. Planning permission has been applied for.

Fuel Supply and Distribution Facility

The conversation of the tank purchased from the RNLI has been completed and commissioning in progress.

Repair of Cromwell Harbour Slipway

A grant application has been submitted to SEERAD who have indicated possible support for the project.

Vaults Investigation

Phase I has been completed and Phase II is now in progress. At the end of Phase II sufficient information will be available to decide whether the Vaults are suitable for development as a tourist attraction.

McArthur's Store

A final decision on the design of the store, subject to full user consultation, is imminent following which work on the development stage of the project will proceed.

Lamer Island Battery

Quotations for a conservation plan have been received and are being evaluated. The conservation plan will determine the extent to which further development of the Battery is possible.

Toilet and shower facilities

Grant application for the preparation of a feasibility study submitted to the Big Lottery Investing in Ideas scheme. Receipt acknowledged.

Interpretative Panels

Design options being evaluated

Boat Trips

To await outcome of toilet and shower facilities project

Website

You will find more information about the activities and projects of the Trust and its Harbour Management Committee on our website.

If you think you can help or would like to contact us then use the feedback form on our website.