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The New Harbour
16/May/2003
Large steamers were used to carry esparto grass. In two cases they contacted with a small spur of rock which led to accidents. When the harbour was nearly completed the cofferdam at the mouth gave way, and the partly completed works were flooded as a result. The vessels using the harbour in those days were small, but as there was ample room from the Company's own steamersthis spur of rock was not removed. To avoid trouble and litigation, the owners closed the dock to vessels of more than 36 feet beam, which practically put an end to the esparto grass trade.
As this would have been a great loss to the town, Mr J. Duncan Millar, MP, was communicated with. After enquiries were made, he met the Company's Manager in Edinburgh, who at once took the matter in hand and the rock was subsequently removed.
At the time of building the harbour a loading berth and coal drop were erected. These being of wood, it was considered in 1910 that they were no longer safe, so they were replaced by a larger and more improved structure made of iron and mounted on a massive stone base, the foundations of which rest on the solid rock. This was constructed for trucks loaded up to 10 tons, but was tested to 20 tons, without showing any sign of yield.
The two leading lights at Tayport being too close together for the safe navigation of the river, the Pile Light was erected at the same time as Tayport Harbour was constructed.
sources:
- History of Tayport, by Sir James Scott, Kt. (at the age of 87), printed in Cupar by J. & G. Innes Ltd., 1927.
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