St Andrews Pier Remains Closed for The New Academic Year

St Andrews’ historic pier remains closed as it faces ongoing repairs for damages caused by Storm Babet, which impacted the harbour and surrounding areas last October. The storm and high tides that followed in its wake led to significant erosion of the pier’s top walls and pathway, as well as the northwest slipway and seawall. Moreover, the harbour gates, which grant access to the harbour at different tidal levels, were left unusable. These damages rendered the pier unsafe for the public and the harbour unfit for commercial use.
The damage to the area has been felt by students and locals alike. Most recently, the first Pier Walk of the academic session was held along East Sands as the pier remains off-limits to the public. This tradition, dating back to the nineteenth century, remains a rite of passage for students who don the crimson academic gown on a march from St Salvator’s Chapel to the tip of the pier.
Similarly, damage to the harbour gates left the space unusable to the fleet of twelve fishing boats that operate out of it. Without functional gates, the harbour could not be cleared of storm-driven material and was closed. A spokesperson for the St Andrews Harbour Trust (StAHT) stated, “The fishermen have been very supportive while the repairs have taken place, and we are grateful for their understanding of the challenges faced since last October’s storm.”
Recent efforts made by the Trust have led to the reopening of the harbour. As of September 2024, the gates have been almost entirely repaired, which has allowed the main channel to be regularly purged of storm-driven material. This major development grants the fishing fleet “full tidal access” once again, the spokesperson stated.
Gaining adequate funding for this major project has proven to be a lengthy process. The same spokesperson said, “We are accelerating our efforts to fundraise for the long-term repairs of the pier and cliffs.” While initially estimated at £1.5 million, the budget for the future-proofing repairs of the pier, slipway, and cliff is predicted to be over £3 million according to the StAHT. Future phases of the repair are reliant on this major funding.
The StAHT is still awaiting the final decision on a grant application with which it will begin repairs on the pier. Ken Sweeney, the Chairman of the Harbour Trust, laid out the allocation of the budget in a post on GoFundMe, uploaded on 24 August 2024, for the ‘Repair Funds of St Andrews Harbour Trust.’ Restorations will target the breach in the pier’s seawall, the damaged walkway, and the capping stones.
The generosity of the public and local businesses has made a sizeable contribution to this cause. In a since-closed post on JustGiving, the StAHT raised over £16,000 from donations. The StAHT is also currently matching all donations sent to their GoFundMe to hasten their progress.
The first phase of repairs for the pier itself is expected to commence in October but could take over six months to be completed. “It is hoped that, subject to approval from both Fife Council and the proposed grant provider, work could begin in October this year,” stated the spokesperson. The Trust has expressed concerns that future storms may set back this repair schedule, so they hope to start repairs before the return of stormy weather. Although the precise date of its reopening is still unknown, with sufficient funding and favourable conditions, the StAHT is optimistic that the pier will be reopened to the public in 2025.
Photo by Madeleine Rea
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