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St Andrews Harbour Trust Praises Generosity of Town as Repairs Progress

Emily Jarvie
an update from St Andrews Harbour Trust

St Andrews Harbour Trust is paying tribute to the ‘staggering generosity’ of the town as it progresses with repairs to the storm-damaged harbour.


In October, crucial repairs to safeguard the medieval pier began, thanks to a £360,000 grant from the Scottish Government Marine Directorate. The works 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.


Over the last year, the Trust has also received considerable funding from local organisations and trusts, including £55,000 from Fife Environment Trust. Grants have also been provided by Iona Stephen,  Charities Aid Foundation, The Hamish Foundation, Lodge St Andrews No 25 and St Andrews Ball. As a result, £422,194 of the target of £750,000 for the long pier repairs has been secured.


Meanwhile, £2 million is required to repair the NW Slip and Pier Landfall, with £18,700 generated through the Trust’s JustGiving and GoFundMe pages. An additional £15,000 was donated by St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation with £10,000 grants awarded by The Kinburn Charitable Trust, St Andrews Heritage Fund and St Andrews Community Trust, respectively. Other donations were provided by The Fellowship of St Andrews and the University of St Andrews Community Fund.


Ken Sweeney, Chair of St Andrews Harbour Trust, added, “In November 2023, our mediaeval harbour suffered the most devastating damage, adversely affecting the livelihoods of our local fishing community and the town more widely.


"Since then, as well as ensuring the harbour remains operational as a vital commercial hub, Trustees have been working tirelessly to secure the necessary funds for repairs. These repairs are crucial to future-proofing the harbour and safeguarding this important national asset for generations to come.


“It has been amazing to see the staggering generosity of our town, from individual donations from townsfolk to overseas University alumni who carry fond memories of the ‘Pier Walk’, alongside countless businesses, trusts, other organisations and charities. We are extremely grateful for every pound that has been donated.


“Of course, if we are to fully complete these repairs, our fundraising efforts must continue, and we would continue to welcome donations in the weeks and months ahead so we can fully restore the harbour to its former glory and, crucially, protect it from any future damage.”


For further information and to make a donation, visit standrewsharbourtrust.org

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