New campaign to turn Cockenzie power plant in to ferry terminal

Prestonpans Community Council has unveiled a new campaign to turn the former Cockenzie power station site into a new cruise ferry terminal.

They believe it would draw in ships from northern Europe, bringing with it a touritst boost for the area and creating more jobs.

The plant was previously demolished in 2015 and recently bought over by East Lothian Council.

Prestonpans Community Council Chairperson Brian Weddell said "Following the publication of the Cockenzie Masterplan we commissioned a review of the cruise port analysis by Dr Alfred Baird, formerly Professor of Maritime Business at TRI Edinburgh Napier University who concluded that a well-designed cruse ship pier with appropriate alignment and making effective use of available water depths, tidal range and dredged material could be constructed at relatively low cost.

"Currently there are too few local employment options available to young people in East Lothian, forcing many to leave home for work and/or further education. In the year of young people, we aim to dramatically increase the available opportunities. A cruise port in Prestonpans would both increase the number of local apprenticeships and attract a dedicated hospitality training college to train youngsters for work on the visiting cruise ships".