WORK which will improve the safety at Dunbar Harbour has received a near-£65,000 cash boost.

Ports and harbours from Eyemouth to Lerwick have received a share of a £1.8 million Scottish Government fund.

The money, which was announced ahead of the third meeting of the Scottish Seafood Exports Taskforce, has been granted to various ports and harbours that have lost income from landing fees “due to the disruption caused by Brexit”, according to the Scottish Government.

Dunbar Harbour Trust has received £63,995, which will go towards the installation of safety rails and bridge work.

Alasdair Swan, chairman of Dunbar Harbour Trust, which manages the harbour, said that the money would be split between three schemes, including improving the moorings within Cromwell Harbour and ensuring the harbour bridge could remain operational while cylinders were replaced.

He said: “It is great to get that support from the Scottish Government.

“It is much appreciated.

“There is one railing up already at the harbour but they are rails to prevent vehicles and forklift trucks from falling in the harbour but also they are rope rails so they are useful for the boats coming into moor to tie up to them.”

Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism, described ports and harbours as “the lifeblood of many of our coastal communities”.

He said: “As a result of the botched Brexit deal and through no fault of their own, many are losing key landing fees from vessels and need this essential investment.

“Previously we committed £1 million but I am pleased to be able to increase this to £1.8 million so we can provide even more funding to approximately 20 ports and harbours and support jobs and livelihoods in our coastal communities.

“We’ve been working closely with the British Ports Association on this support and the ports and harbours will be able to start essential works immediately.”