Plans for a giant tower and cruise terminal at Cockenzie unveiled

The ‘Big Red’ sculpture would be a landmark for people arriving in the east of the country by air, sea and road, and would have viewing platforms and an exhibition centre.

The giant structure, which would be a tribute to world-famous Dunbar-born conservationist John Muir, is included in proposals by recently formed Cockenzie Development Company Ltd (CDC) for a cruise terminal, retail centre, eco village and business park at the site, which had been at the centre of proposals for a marine energy park until the plans were scrapped last month.

CDC management team Kevin Doyle, John Millar and Colin McCulloch first revealed their plans in a presentation to East Lothian Council’s cross-party working group, set up to look at options for the former power station site.

Mr Doyle is the businessman whose firm bought Archerfield, near Dirleton, and created the golfing complex and facilities there.

After Scottish Enterprise shelved its controversial plans to build a marine energy park on the site and surrounding land, CDC went public with its own vision.

Mr McCulloch described the £250 million cruise terminal project as a five-star facility which would bring about 500,000 visitors to Scotland each year.

As well as creating a cruise terminal, which could welcome 200 ships a year, the base of the Big Red sculpture would house a John Muir visitor centre, lifts to take people to viewing platforms and could possibly be used as a working lighthouse.

A retail centre would be built alongside the terminal offering high-quality Scottish products.

CDC estimates that if every visitor who disembarked at the terminal spent £200 it would generate £100 million for the Scottish economy. And they say servicing the ships when they dock could generate a further £10 million.

They also want to build an eco village which would have privately owned ecologically and environmentally sustainable houses and community assets such as a creche, cafe and workshops.

The village would be car free to encourage children to be outside.

Mr McCulloch told the Courier the company had spent 18 months researching the project and the cruise industry before unveiling their plans.

He said: “I have already emailed the chairs of the Cockenzie and Port Seton, and Prestonpans Community Councils and offered to meet with them.

“We hope to get the chance to meet the CRA [Coastal Regernation Alliance, a group set up to oppose plans for an energy park] as well; local support is very important.

“We had been holding back until Scottish Enterprise decided if they were going to promote the marine energy park. Their support, if given, will be invaluable to accelerating our proposal.

“We have to show that our proposal is the best use of the site for the benefit of the local area and the rest of Scotland.

“We hope the mix of development uses we have laid out complements job creation and economic development with the provision of local amenities.” Scottish Enterprise reiterated its support for future development on the former power station site.

It said: “We continue to believe that the site has potential to stimulate job creation. “We are keen to work with East Lothian Council, the site owner and all stakeholders to explore alternative uses for the site that support sustainable economic growth at the local and national level.” The CRA said it was unable to comment on the CDC proposals until it had more information.

A spokesperson said: “Our community is a different one to the one that faced the prospect of an energy park. We have learned to question and challenge – and we must continue to do this to ensure we have our say.

“It is imperative that we push forward with our Community Right To Buy plans, and not lose sight of our goal – to protect our valued local landscapes.” Site owner ScottishPower said it was aware of the plans by CDC.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the Cockenzie Development Company proposals. However, we are not involved in the development of these proposals.”