A campaign to raise funds for replacement gates at St Andrews Harbour paid off when the new gates were craned into position.
The 200-year-old original gates, essential for the operation of the harbour, were destroyed during a flash flood last October when they were swept from their hinges and subsequently found to be damaged beyond repair.
After a campaign successfully raised in excess of £100,000 through donations from individuals and charitable and Government organisations, contracts were placed for the manufacture and installation of the replacement gates by Walter Macfarlane & Co (Glasgow).
St Andrews Harbour Trust has stated that in designing the new gates due regard has been given to the listed status of much of the fabric of this historic medieval harbour, and although the new gates will feature some more modern aspects, they have been manufactured to substantially the same design as those damaged, and where possible existing fittings reused.
The trust clearly hopes and believes harbour users and visitors will find them sympathetic to the harbour setting and provide many years of service.
Installation is expected to be completed in 10-14 days however, the craning of the gates into position was expected to be the most critical time as well as the most visually appealing moment.
Meanwhile, dredging work has also been undertaken at the harbour where over a period of time an accumulation of up to 2,000 cubic metres of silt had reduced the depth of water available and was restricting activities in the harbour.
The situation had worsened considerably in recent months due to the storm damage to the harbour gates, which had prevented the entrance channel from being regularly cleared by natural flushing from the inner harbour.