North Berwick: Concern for harbour flats after sea wall defect found

Four weeks ago, stormy conditions caused by four-metre waves and high tides resulted in a significant breach of the harbour’s north outer wall.

The breach at North Berwick Harbour - Image: Pat Christie

East Lothian Council, North Berwick Harbour Trust and engineering experts are now working out the best way to repair the harbour wall – and how to pay for it.

But a new problem has arisen following survey work of the harbour in the wake of the wall breach.

Weaknesses in the outer south-west wall, directly beneath the 10 or so flats of the Old Granary on Harbour Terrace, have been identified and need urgent attention.

Andrew Duns, treasurer at North Berwick Harbour Trust, told the Courier that the wall there was not structurally unsound but was “starting to show signs of collapse”.

He said: “That stone is starting to slip and sink – it needs stabilised.”

The wall underneath the granary building is in need of essential maintenance

Mr Duns stressed that the council was aware of the problem and would be starting remedial work this week.

He highlighted that there was “no imminent danger” to the Old Granary building.

He added: “An engineer has looked at it, there is no danger to the building at present. There’s movement of bricks so it needs a repair.

“If there was an imminent danger, there would be people evacuated from the building.”

Following the main breach of the harbour wall on the night of October 29-30, the trust held a public meeting on November 14 in the town’s Hope Rooms. It was attended by council representatives, who informed members of the public of the steps required before a repair of the badly damaged north wall could take place.

Marine engineers have been appointed to carry out survey work and create a design to repair the breach.

It is hoped that various funding sources can be accessed, though it is likely to be into the new year before the large hole is fixed. The work could cost upwards of £1 million.

The trust launched a ‘crowdfunder’ to raise money for harbour wall repairs which has raised more than £30,000.

Regarding the sea wall at the Old Granary, the council told the Courier that a temporary repair would take place to “make safe” the area, but a timescale for completion of the works was not given.

A council spokesperson said: “The council is aware and is undertaking an urgent assessment to determine what action needs to be taken.

“The council will undertake a temporary repair to make safe.

“Given the historical nature of part of the building (Grade B listed), we will liaise with Historic Scotland to agree a more permanent restoration. We will advise further when able to do so.”

The harbour’s 19th-century granary was developed into flats in the 1970s.