109-year-old Port of Edgar marina home to 300 boats up for sale

The National

a day ago

With berthing for more than 300 vessels, full-service boatyard facilities and an established sailing school, Port Edgar marina is looking for a suitable buyer for the long leasehold interest in the property.
Situated on the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry, just outside Edinburgh, the marina is a hub for boating, tourism and waterfront retail.
Current owners Cara and Russell Aitken have spent more than a decade revitalising the marina. Since acquiring the long leasehold in 2014, the Aitkens have overseen a seven-figure investment programme, transforming Port Edgar into a premier destination.
READ MORE: Skerryvore on 20 years, castle gigs, global fans and staying true to Scottish roots
The sale includes the entire shareholding of Port Edgar (Holdings) Ltd, Port Edgar Marina Ltd, and Production Yachts (Port Edgar) Ltd, encompassing all business assets, operational interests and the long leasehold of the property, which runs until 2100 under lease from the City of Edinburgh Council.
Bosses say operations will continue as normal during and after the sale, with all staff and tenants remaining in place.
Notable tenants of the marina include Scotts Restaurant, Edinburgh Watersports, and Forth Tours. The marina also has Beacon, a retail shop offering a selection of clothing and accessories by a variety of suppliers, including well-known brands.
Richard Prestwich, director in the leisure and trade related team at Savills, said: "This sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully operational and established marina business in a strategic coastal location. With a long leasehold secured, the asset offers both immediate operational income and the potential for future development – ideal for buyers seeking a foothold in a tightly held sector.
"With offers now invited for the long leasehold interest, we anticipate high levels of demand from prospective buyers eager to secure such a unique property.'
READ MORE: Jobs lost as luxury Highland spa goes bust amid 'mounting cost pressures'
This included dredging, infrastructure upgrades and the redevelopment of land-based assets.
Russell Aitken, managing director at Port Edgar Marina, added: 'Port Edgar has been a labour of love for us. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved – from a naval heritage site to a vibrant, modern marina that serves more than 300 vessels and a diverse community of marine and hospitality businesses.
"We believe it's the right time for new ownership to take it forward.'
Commissioned in 1916 during the First World War as HMS Columbine, the site served as a Royal Navy training base and later played a key role during the Second World War in minesweeping and anti-submarine operations across the North Sea.
The marina remained under Royal Navy control until 1978, when it was formally closed as a military facility and transitioned into civilian use, laying the foundations for the thriving leisure destination it is today.