(Image: Dylan Drummond, Son of the Sea Photography)
REALM Construction has completed repair work to the pier at St Andrews Harbour with the medieval structure set to reopen next week.
The 14th century pier suffered substantial damage to the tune of £3 million during the storms of November 2023, sparking a major fundraising drive and months of repairs to the harbour area, which remain ongoing.
With the seawall breach now restored and the walkways relaid, the main pier will reopen to the public from the morning of May 1, following the annual Gaudie Procession the evening before.
The bulk of the repairs to date have been funded by a £360,000 grant from the Scottish Government Marine Directorate, allowing the seawall breach to be restored and the walkways to be relaid. Donations have also been provided by several trusts and foundations, with nearly £20,000 donated by the University of St Andrews student community.
However, the repair work to the wider pier is not yet complete. Major engineering repairs to restore the pier’s connection to the cliffs remain unfunded, requiring approximately £2 million. With major grant applications underway, it is thought that a funding gap of around £500,000 will remain.
Ken Sweeney, chairman of the St Andrews Harbour Trust, commented, “After more than 16 months of closure, the reopening of the pier marks a significant milestone for both St Andrews Harbour Trust and the wider community. The progress made since the storm damage occurred has been nothing short of remarkable.
“Special recognition goes to Realm Construction, whose tradesmen have worked tirelessly, in all weathers and challenging conditions, to bring the pier back to life. Reopening the pier in time for the Gaudie Procession feels especially meaningful. This beloved and iconic tradition, where students and townspeople gather as night falls, has long symbolised the close bond between town and gown. To have the pier ready for this celebration adds a powerful layer of significance to the occasion.
“However, our work is far from finished. Essential repairs to the structure, especially to less visible but equally critical areas, are still needed, so we are appealing to the public, individuals and businesses alike, to help bridge the remaining £500,000 funding gap. Their generosity to date has been extraordinary, and with continued support, we can finish what we’ve started and preserve this cherished landmark for years to come.”
Guy Nichols, Gaudie convenor, added, “The Gaudie is an incredibly important date in the Kate Kennedy Club and wider student calendar and we are absolutely thrilled that our event will return to its former glory with the pier reopening. The pier and harbour area generally are so important to the student community, and it’s fantastic to see the repairs progressing to this point. However, if pier walks are to continue for generations, we need to ensure that this beautiful part of Scotland remains protected from further storm damage so we’ll be doing all we can to encourage more donations to the repair fund as the year goes on. We can’t wait for the event and hope to see as many townsfolk join us in our celebrations on the night!”
