A MUCH-LOVED feature of Cockenzie and Port Seton Gala has sadly been sunk.
With gala day just around the corner this Saturday, organisers have regretfully announced that, for the first time in decades, the gala court won't be taking to the high seas in celebration of the village's rich fishing heritage.
They say that a change in health and safety regulations mean that the Seton Queen and the royal party are unable, in time-honoured fashion, to board the royal barge - a local fishing boat - at Cockenzie Harbour and, with the help of the 'Royal Navy', repel an attack from 'pirates' before making their way to safety at Port Seton Harbour.
The carefully choreographed and colourful 'battle', involving several decorated fishing boats, is always one of the highlights of gala day, is unique to East Lothian, and draws a big crowd watching on the shore.
But Cockenzie and Port Seton Gala committee confirmed today that this weekend's celebrations would not include any nautical fun and blamed new regulations implemented by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
A gala spokesperson said: "For over 70 years, Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Gala has included our local fishermen in our gala day.
"We're very proud of our fishermen and fishing heritage.
READ MORE: Cockenzie & Port Seton Gala is back
"A plan was in place for the gala children to travel from Cockenzie Harbour to Port Seton Harbour via decorated fishing vessels.
"At the last minute, we received notice from MCA that procedures have now changed.
"New regulations require a UK Load Line Exemption Certificate where each fisherman must present his vessel for a three-hour inspection at a cost of over £400 each.
"The gala take the health and safety of our children very seriously and we have always produced documents including the Vessel Inspection Certificate, confirmation each boat meets health and safety criteria for carrying passengers eg life rafts for all on board, life jackets fitted to all, flares, Coastguard presence, a safety boat and so on."
Gala organisers say that had they received early notice of the new rules, they may have been able to find a solution but it had all come too late and the children would not be getting on the boats this year.
The spokesperson added: "As a small charity, the cost of funding this is obviously an issue, but more importantly, fishermen are understandably concerned at the thought of presenting their vessel for the three-hour inspection now required.
"As we are now only days away from gala, our priority is hosting the best gala we can for our community and children who have waited over two years for this due to Covid restrictions."
Cockenzie Port Seton has always had a strong fishing theme, from youngsters dressing up as fisher girls and dancing outside the Thorntree Inn to awards for the local boat with the top catch and youngsters in the gala court dressed as sailors and pirates and sea captains.
A spokesperson from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said:
“The Maritime and Coastguard Agency was approached by the Cockenzie and Port Seaton Gala Committee about the necessary certification to permit a number of fishing vessels to carry passengers during their Gala.
“Since 2019 when the last certificates were issued to vessels supporting the Gala, revised safety guidance, contained in MGN604, has been issued in relation to how the MCA deals with fishing vessels wishing to carry passengers.
"The local Marine Office responded to the Committee in April explaining the new guidance, providing details of the process to permit passengers to be carried on board the fishing vessels, outlining associated costs, and to offer a meeting with the Gala Committee.
“The safety checks required are designed to ensure that there is no additional risk to the passengers on board a vessel not originally intended for this purpose, and to ensure the suitability of the working fishing vessel for the proposed passenger numbers by examining items including the hull structure, watertight integrity, vessel stability, and ensuring that the required additional safety equipment is in place and operational.
“Our top priority is for keeping people safe around the coasts, part of this is working closely with vessel owners and operators to minimise risks so everyone gets home safely.”
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