A SCOTTISH-BASED company has welcomed hundreds of thousands of pounds in funding from the Scottish Government to assist in the restoration of a town’s historic pier.
Crucial repairs to safeguard the medieval pier at St Andrews Harbour will shortly get underway, with thanks given to a £360,000 grant from Scottish Government.
First Minister John Swinney announced the awards during a visit to Shetland on Monday, ahead of attending the Convention of the Highlands and Islands.
The Marine Directorate awarded the funding to St Andrews Harbour Trust following storm damage almost one year ago, which led to the full closure of the pier.
The works, which have been approved by Fife Council and which will commence in October, will include the repair and restoration of the breach in the seawall of the long (main) pier, where a V-shaped section subsided, the capping stones blew off and the walkway was damaged.
The repairs are likely to take around six months, subject to future weather conditions, tides and any additional, associated damage. It is hoped that the main pier will re-open to visitors and tourists alike in 2025.
The work will be carried out by Lochgelly-based Realm Construction, part of the Purvis Group.
Grant McKay, commercial manager commented: “Realm Construction are honoured to be part of this significant and historic project restoring St Andrews’ iconic pier. The essential repair works will not only environmentally preserve the site’s heritage but are vital in its reconnection with the local community, fishing trade and tourism.
“We are enthusiastic to see the harbour restored to its full working capabilities as quickly and, most importantly, as safely as possible.
“As a local company we are thankful for the opportunity to grow our collaborative relationships within the St Andrews area. This new appointment emphasises our continued commitment to improve the local infrastructure, create job opportunities and pay homage to the famous coastal town of St Andrews.”
Ken Sweeney, chair of St Andrews Harbour Trust, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have reached this stage in the repairs which caused such catastrophic damage to our medieval and much-loved harbour and are grateful that the Scottish Government recognised the importance of this national asset when awarding this grant.
“St Andrews has rallied around the Harbour Trust since last year’s storms. As a working harbour, the local fishing community in particular must be applauded for their patience and cooperation. With the harbour gates almost completely repaired, we will soon be able to provide full tidal access for the fishing fleet."
A total of 67 projects have been awarded grants, including more than £1m allocated to equipment manufacturer Vonin for its new salmon farming service station in Kyleakin.
The Scottish Government said the Vonin funding would initially create 15 new jobs.
