West Coast Capital, the investment arm of Sir Tom Hunter’s Family Office, has acquired Scotland’s Port Edgar Marina for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition of the marina, located about ten miles from Edinburgh city centre, includes the entire shareholding of Port Edgar Holdings, Port Edgar Marina, and Production Yachts (Port Edgar), on a long leasehold agreement with Edinburgh Council that extends to 2100.
Port Edgar Marina comprises a total of 320 berths accommodated via fully serviced pontoons and walk-ways and full-service boardyard facilities including a slipway and two 25-tonne travel hoists.
The site also offers a diverse array of maritime activities catering to enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels and is home to several clubs including Edinburgh Watersports CIC, the Queensferry Rowing Club and the Port Edgar Yacht Club.
Seven-figure investment programme
It is also a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) recognised training centre and is the base for various tour operators offering boat charters and sightseeing trips.
The marina generates income from a number of streams including 25 third-party sub tenants and marine retail operations.
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 including dredging, infrastructure upgrades, and the redevelopment of land-based assets.
New ownership
“Port Edgar has been a labour of love for us,” said Russell Aitken, managing director at Port Edgar Marina.
“We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved – from a naval heritage site to a vibrant, modern marina that serves over 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.”
The Aitkins will step down in the coming weeks after completing a handover with the new management team led by Jamie Hunter.
Russell continued: “We are confident that West Coast Capital are the perfect owners to take Port Edgar forward.
We believe it’s the right time for new ownership to take it forward.
Russell Aitken
“The team are committed to further investment and securing the long-term future of the marina.
“They already invest in Buzzworks, which owns Scotts restaurant here at Port Edgar, so they understand the huge potential of the site as a leisure destination and have the vision and resources to realise it.
“We would like to thank all our berth holders, tenants, staff, and suppliers for their incredible support during our time here. It has been a privilege to serve this wonderful community.”
Royal Navy training base
Port E. dgar’s origins date back to 1916 when the site was commissioned during World War I as HMS Columbine.
The site served as a Royal Navy training base and later played a key role during World War II 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.
