CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has commended the work of volunteers from the Dunbar Harbour Trust after visiting the town’s harbour.
Mr Hoy met with the Chairman of the Harbour Trust, Alasdair Swan, as well as Dunbar’s harbour master, Fiona Kibby, and Deputy harbour master, Denholm Horsburgh.
The harbour, which dates back to 1574, is home to 29 fishing vessels ranging from 6 to 15 metres long.
Hoy spoke to several local fishermen who lay creels to catch lobsters, brown crabs and velvet crabs, which are then exported to other parts of Scotland, the UK and France.
He was also shown erosion at the Victorian Harbour sea wall, meeting rooms owned by the Harbour Trust for educational events and rental units used by local fishermen.
Dunbar Harbour hosts water sports including kayaking, paddle boarding and diving, with regular on-season events including the Dunbar Regatta in June.
Following the visit, the South Scotland MSP commented: “Dunbar’s harbour is a very special place, and that is thanks to the remarkable work of local volunteers.
“It was exciting to see how the work of the Trust has helped to bring the history of the harbour to life for residents and visitors alike.
“The Trust have some very exciting ideas to modernise visitor experiences for younger people and to potentially open up the grounds of Dunbar Castle for visitors, however there are funding constraints.
“I will be pushing East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government to fund the fantastic work of the Trust, who play a pivotal role in preserving Dunbar’s heritage and local economy.
“Dunbar Harbour Trust are currently looking for volunteers, and I would strongly encourage anyone from the Dunbar area who is looking for an interesting and diverse volunteering opportunity which supports the local community to get in touch with them.”
Alasdair Swan, the Chair of the Trust, said: “It is always a pleasure to show politicians like Mr Hoy around our harbour when they then take a positive interest in the harbour activities.
“It is so encouraging to those of us who volunteer to look after this historic place that is so special to our town.”
Fiona Kibby, Dunbar’s harbour master, added: “I was delighted that Mr Hoy was able to speak first-hand to some of our fishermen. They have always been the life-blood of our harbour.”
Anyone interested in volunteering for Dunbar Harbour Trust can email the Trust at [email protected] or call them on 01368 865404.
