LOCALS are being “illegally shut out” of a popular harbour area in Fife due to its proximity to a green freeport, according to a campaign group.

A fence was installed on Burntisland harbour for “public safety” reasons on the north side of the Firth of Forth after obtaining planning consent from Fife Council in 2022.

This led to an outcry from locals, including an online petition which gained over 3000 signatures.

The Burntisland Harbour Access Trust (BHAT) campaign group was then formed, who still continue to protest the fence and fight to restore public access to the harbour.

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The group said that they have received legal advice that indicates that Forth Ports “acted illegally in barring the public from the harbour and breakwater” and that when presented with the lawyers report “had failed to address the issue”.

Andy Pay, speaking on behalf of BHAT, argued that access to the harbour was being restricted because they “don’t want to jeopardise their vision for the planned green freeport”.

“We believe that restored public access is compatible with the freeport concept,” he said.

Pay added: “Forth Ports have always claimed that they are acting purely in the interests of health and safety but we all know that’s a sham. In the long history of public access there has not been a single reported accident to anyone enjoying the harbour and breakwater for activities such as angling from the breakwater, dog walking, wildlife watching.

(Image: Bill Walsh and Paul Maguire.)

“Furthermore the company’s own industry guidelines contain numerous examples of how amenity use of a busy harbour or port can be safely integrated with commercial activity.

“Frustrated by the lack of Forth Ports' response to repeated requests for a meeting, BHAT's board has initiated a campaign entitled Obey the Law.

"The thrust of the campaign is to force the local authority – Fife Council - to accept its responsibilities to enforce existing access legislation.”

A spokesperson from Forth Ports said: “As the owners of the Port of Burntisland, we are legally responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone at what is a working harbour.

“Prior to receiving planning permission from Fife Council and before the fence was installed in 2022, we consulted widely with community representatives and local politicians and we continue to be heavily involved in local community support and engagement.

“The fence still enables the people of Burntisland to walk through the port, but safely and avoiding areas of higher risk.”

In an email seen by The National, Fife Council leader David Ross said the council's chief executive was "actively considering this matter and seeking advice". 

Fife Council have been approached for further comment.