Scottish marina acquired by private investment firm

West Coast Capital has acquired Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry, near Edinburgh, for an undisclosed amount.

West Coast Capital is the investment arm of the Hunter Family Office, founded by Scottish businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter.

The transaction includes full ownership of Port Edgar Holdings, Port Edgar Marina and Production Yachts (Port Edgar), as well as the long leasehold with the City of Edinburgh Council, which runs until 2100.

Located around 10 miles west of Edinburgh city centre, Port Edgar Marina serves as a base for sailing activities, marine services and leisure businesses.

The facility includes 320 pontoon berths, a boatyard, and several retail and hospitality operators. The site also hosts 25 commercial tenants, including Edinburgh Watersports, Forth Tours and the retail outlet Beacon.

The marina is situated beneath the Forth Bridges, with road and rail links to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth. Income is generated from berth fees, leases and marine retail activity.

In a statement, West Coast Capital confirms all staff and tenant businesses will continue under the new ownership, with outgoing owners Cara and Russell Aitken overseeing a handover to the new management team, led by Jamie Hunter.

Jamie Hunter, partner at West Coast Capital, says: “We are delighted to have made this acquisition from Russell and Cara Aitken who have done a fantastic job developing Port Edgar. We now look forward to investing further in its development and supporting all the businesses based there.”

Since taking over the leasehold in 2014, the Aitkens have undertaken a capital investment programme that included dredging, infrastructure upgrades and improvements to shore-based facilities.

“We are confident that West Coast Capital are the perfect owners to take Port Edgar forward,” says 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.”

Established in 1916 as HMS Columbine, Port Edgar was originally a Royal Navy training base. During the Second World War, it played a role in minesweeping and anti-submarine operations in the North Sea. The site transitioned to civilian use in 1978 and has since developed into a marina and leisure hub.

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