A PATH stretching from East Lothian to Scotland’s west coast will temporarily be diverted due to work at the site of the former Cockenzie Power Station.

The John Muir Way, which was opened by then First Minister Alex Salmond in 2014, links Dunbar to Helensburgh.

However, Inch Cape Offshore Limited, which is behind an offshore wind farm featuring up to 72 turbines located 15km off the Angus coast, has confirmed that a diversion will be put in place.

Walkers will be taken away from the coast and instead make their way along the B1348 beside the former power station.

A spokesperson for the company said: “The electricity generated by Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm will be brought to shore here at the site of the former coal-fired Cockenzie Power Station.

“Work has been under way on the construction of the project’s substation since early 2023.

“The construction team is now preparing for the installation of the export cables that will bring the power from the wind farm to the substation.

A diversion will be in place on the John Muir Way for about nine monthsA diversion will be in place on the John Muir Way for about nine months (Image: Contributed)

“For this work to be done safely, the John Muir Way needs to be diverted around the construction site for a period of approximately nine months from autumn 2024 to summer 2025.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

“This work is necessary for us to be able to safely complete this project, which will generate enough green energy to power the equivalent of half the homes in Scotland.”

The 134-mile route is named after Dunbar-born John Muir, who emigrated to America with his family.

In his new home, he became a key figure in the creation of the country’s national parks.