North Ayrshire: Portencross Pier damaged after Storm Jocelyn

A hole has appeared in the corner of the pier following Storm Jocelyn, while one of the protective plates has blown off, leaving a larger gap than usual.

Residents from Portencross contacted the News expressing concern about the state of the pier and its access.

Police Scotland were initially contacted about the situation.

Calls have also been made to North Ayrshire Council by residents about the state of the pier, which is privately owned.

North Coast Conservative councillor Todd Ferguson has also contacted the council regarding the situation.

He said: "The pier was built to facilitate the transport of locally harvested potatoes, which were carried to Glasgow by paddle steamer. It has a fascinating history.

"I remember diving off the pier as a boy, and it is still very popular with crowds of young fol visiting from Glasgow over recent summers. 

"The ownership of the pier is quite a complex matter, but the council do have a responsibility in terms of keeping it safe and secure, so I have got in touch with them in terms of seeing what they can do."

The News understands that a council officer visited the pier yesterday and assessed the situation.

Questions have also been asked by residents about the ownership of the pier in terms of whether it is possible to access future investment.

The pier, which traditionally used to have links with Wee Cumbrae, was used by the Waverley in the 1990s.

It also featured on the BBC television series Para Handy Tales, starring Gregor Fisher and Rikki Fulton.

And in recent years, the popular Ayrshire pier played a starring role in a music video for a popular track. 

Portencross Pier is featured in the opening sequence of 'Wellerman (Saltwives Mix)' by Nathan Evans.

The popular sea shanty became a viral hit during the last Covid-19 lockdown and the video surpassed four million views on YouTube.

The Portencross Pier is also frequently used by photographers including Peter Ribbeck who recently took this acclaimed storm photo - 'Fury of the Sea at Portencross Pier'.

Restoration and reconstruction of piers can be expensive, with Princess Anne opening the revamped £6million Largs Pier in 2009, while Fairlie Pier was closed and demolished in the mid-1980s

There was a 'Save Millport Pier' campaign over recent years after it was closed, resulting in the masonry section of the structure being repaired.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Police Scotland made the Council aware of damage to Portencross Pier caused by storm Jocelyn.

“We attended and placed cones at the end of the pier and would urge the public not to use the pier.

“While the Pier is not under council ownership, and we not are responsible for its maintenance or upkeep, we have a responsibility under the Building (Scotland) Act to remove or reduce any danger presented to the public.

“Specialist advice is being sought to determine the condition of the structure as well as the options available to ensure public safety.”