Provision of Preliminary Environmental Services for Eyemouth Harbour Trust

Description

Eyemouth Harbour Trust (EHT) (The Client) in partnership with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) wishes to commission the provision of Preliminary Environmental Services (PES) in relation to the development of new harbour infrastructure. The Eyemouth Harbour Masterplan, which was launched in August 2025, comprises a blueprint for the future development of the harbour and aims to support the Scottish Government’s ambition to grow port capacity on Scotland’s east coast that serves not only the offshore wind sector but delivers a wider economic benefit for Scotland’s coastal communities, regions and nationally. A key component of the Masterplan is the Outer Harbour Development (OHD), comprising new marine infrastructure with deep-water berthing and additional quayside. In June 2025, consultants were appointed to take forward a Marine Engineering Concept Study and Outline Business Case, intended to establish a preferred concept design (at a high level of assessment only – mainly related to layout, with typical/ potential structure cross-sections only) for the new infrastructure. The purpose of this procurement is to appoint an environmental consultant to carry out early environment-related tasks, comprising the initial activities required in the development of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other forms of Appropriate Assessment. Lot 1: SCOPE OF SERVICE (Summary) The Preliminary Environmental Services will cover: - Preparation and submission of an Environmental Scoping Report. - Early stakeholder engagement with statutory and non-statutory bodies (e.g., NatureScot, SEPA, Marine Directorate, local councils, RSPB). - Scoping and, where possible, conducting baseline/specialist surveys (terrestrial and marine ecology, cultural heritage, landscape, seascape, noise). - Development of a Consenting Strategy, outlining the required permissions, engagement plan, and budgeting. - Liaison with Engineering Consultants working on Technical Feasibility. EIA Scoping Report An EIA is compulsory for port developments over 1,350 tonnes and those below Mean High Water Springs, as per relevant UK and Scottish regulations. The Consultant will prepare a single scoping report for authorities, detailing EIA scope, necessary further surveys, and methodologies for supporting assessments (e.g., Habitat Regulations, Water Framework Directive, Flood Risk). The report will be reviewed by regulators and consultees. Baseline/ Specialist Surveys Surveys will be scoped and carried out as needed, covering areas such as ecology, heritage, landscape, and noise. Tenderers must list surveys that can begin in early 2026 with indicative costs as an Annex; these are not part of bid evaluation but may be included in the scope if funded. The full list of required surveys will be a key deliverable. Consenting Strategy A detailed Consenting Strategy will set out the approval process, budget, and stakeholder engagement plan, encompassing both statutory and public consultation. Liaison with Technical Consultants The Consultant must coordinate with the separately appointed Engineering Consultant. This contract covers preliminary activities, aiming for completion (except surveys) by Q3 2026. Outputs may be shared with future suppliers, and all intellectual property will belong to the Client. Key Milestones - Kick-off meeting - Stakeholder engagement - Draft and final EIA Scoping Report - Consenting Strategy - Regular progress updates and meetings - Timely output delivery as per project plan