New entrance gates set to enhance appearance of historic Eyemouth boatyard
New entrance gates will enhance the appearance and viability of an historic boatyard in Eyemouth Harbour, planners have deemed.
Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has approved an application for the new gates at Eyemouth Marine at Brown’s Bank.
The upgrade was needed to satisfy health and safety requirements, increase security and improve the aesthetics of the entrance.
They will be manufactured in steel and painted to match the dark blue colour applied to the window surrounds and doors of the adjacent offices.
Eyemouth Marine is a historic boatyard with roots in the 19th-century fishing industry.
Originally operated by the Weatherhead family, the yard has built hundreds of vessels and now operates as Eyemouth Marine Ltd, providing modern slipway and repair services for commercial and leisure craft, with a focus on 21st-century sustainability
A report with the application stated: “The gates will be controlled electronically and will be connected to an entrance control system linking to the office – the infrastructure for this is already in place.”
SBC planning officer Paul Duncan, in his report approving the bid, said: “The existing gates and fence detract from the setting of the listed building and the character and appearance of the conservation area.
“The design of the proposed replacement gates and fence is clean and simple and would avoid the harsh appearance of a palisade fence or close boarded fence.
“These proposals are to be welcomed and, given the appearance of the existing fence and gates, would be expected to enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of the listed building.”