Council officers have been honoured with a top award for their work repairing North Berwick Harbour after it suffered severe storm damage.
The team behind the reconstruction of the harbour wall at the Grade B listed landmark shared the accolade at the Scottish Civil Engineering Awards 2025.
East Lothian Council, marine contractor Southbay Civil Engineering Ltd and specialist designer Royal Haskoning DHV (RHDHV) collected the prize. Their dedication and collaborative efforts were recognised with the Best Project Under £2 Million Award during the ceremony held at Edinburgh’s EICC on 29 August.
On October 29, 2023, Storm Ciarán inflicted significant damage on the popular harbour’s 120-metre main pier, creating a ten-metre-wide breach in the stone.
In response, council officers immediately assessed the rupture, hired RHDHV and Southbay to design a solution and conduct urgent repairs crucial to preserving the harbour’s historic appearance, and managed the complex project. The longer-term repairs focused on permanent structural enhancements which used local contractors and sustainable materials to minimise the environmental impact.
The award judges praised the project for not only reinforcing the harbour’s structural integrity but also showcasing the importance of community involvement in safeguarding the town’s heritage.
Brilliant example
Councillor John McMillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “This was a brilliant example of partnership working between the council, Marine Scotland, RHDHV, Southbay, East Coast Masonry, and the North Berwick Harbour Trust along with members of the public who spearheaded a £42,000 fundraising drive.
“A special mention must go to Andy Hunter, Structures Officer with the council’s Roads Services department, for his crucial lead role. After Storm Ciarán hit, Andy developed a budget with contractors to use the most appropriate reconstruction methods while pursuing a procurement strategy taking best advantage of favourable spring tides and optimal weather conditions.”
In keeping with the council’s Community Wealth Building Agenda, the project sought to employ local labour and utilise the regional supply chain to complement experienced marine operatives. This included collaboration with partners such as Cockenzie’s Platinum Scaffolding Services, Edinburgh’s Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes, and Geddes Group of Arbroath.