Pictured: (left to right) Councillor Paul Garner, Mitchell Murray (Falkirk Council), Allan Croll (Chemcem Scotland)
Bo’ness Harbour has undergone extensive repairs and infrastructure improvements totalling £547k since 2016, and the final phase of harbour wall repairs got underway at the end of April 2024 marking a decade-long investment of over £600k.
The historic harbour is situated in the Bo’ness Town Centre conservation area located on the south bank of the Firth of Forth and the works carried out will keep the harbour and surrounding area in good condition, importantly also protecting the town centre.
In 2015 routine inspections detected small sinkholes around the harbour which led to a comprehensive assessment being carried out of the harbour walls. The resulting report outlined necessary repairs and recommendations leading to a phased approach of repairs and improvements to the harbour and surrounding area, starting with the outer harbour in 2016.
In April 2024 the final works carried out to the harbour wall will include hydro-demolition and sprayed concrete repairs to a small part of the inner harbour, completing the full structure’s repair programme.
Councillor Paul Garner, Depute Leader, Falkirk Council said: “Maintaining the safety and structural integrity of Bo'ness Harbour is a priority. These repairs not only address immediate concerns, but also fortify and protect the harbour as well as the town centre for future generations.”
With over £0.5m already invested, the upcoming phase targets the inner harbour wall thanks to a further £64k investment. The final stage underscores a decade long commitment to bolstering the resilience and longevity of Bo’ness Harbour.
“We’re proud to see this project near completion and the latest investment will continue to improve the safety of this well-loved local amenity and vital maritime asset.” added Councillor Garner.