For the past 30 years the East Dock of Burntisland has remained silent, but that could be about to change under ambitious new plans by its owners.
Forth Ports has confirmed it is looking to re-establish the harbour as an industrial powerhouse with a multi-million-pound investment at the site.
The company hopes to attract an established timber company to the dock, bringing around 50 jobs to the town and potentially paving the way for a wider regeneration of the area.
It is part of the company’s strategy to develop its smaller ports that has already seen shipping return to Kirkcaldy harbour in recent years.
Forth Ports hopes to replicate this success in Burntisland, adding to the town’s already healthy reputation in marine industry circles.
A spokesman for the company told The Courier: “Forth Ports confirms that it has submitted a planning application to change one of its existing buildings at Burntisland as part of its plans to seek to attract a family-run timber business to the port later this year.
“This is part of a multi-million-pound investment to develop the Port of Burntisland, with the initial construction works starting in the next couple of weeks.
“Forth Ports is actively looking at development opportunities for its Fife coastal ports and has successfully reopened Kirkcaldy after being closed to ship traffic for more than 20 years.”
The East Dock has remained largely unused for the past 30 years, this despite its prime location on the Forth.
With the adjoining West Dock home to two major employers Burntisland Fabrications (BiFab) and Briggs Marine there are hopes that plans to rejuvenate its sister site could signal a further boost to the local economy.
Councillor George Kay told The Courier that developing the East Dock would deliver a huge boost to Burntisland.
“I think it’s fantastic news,” Mr Kay said. “It’s exactly what Burntisland needs.
“It will see the revival of the old port and give a great impetus for the local economy with people coming and going and using the local shops,” he added.