Investment firm West Coast Capital has completed the acquisition of Port Edgar Marina on the outskirts of Edinburgh for an undisclosed sum, securing ownership of the premier waterfront destination on the Firth of Forth. The deal includes the entire shareholding of Port Edgar Holdings Ltd, Port Edgar Marina Ltd, and Production Yachts (Port Edgar) Ltd, together with the long leasehold agreement with the City of Edinburgh Council that extends to 2100.
Located at South Queensferry, Port Edgar Marina sits just 10 miles west of Edinburgh city centre and operates as a major hub for sailing enthusiasts, marine businesses, and waterfront leisure. The facility provides 320 pontoon berths with full services, comprehensive boatyard facilities, and houses a thriving community of retail and hospitality operators.
The marina’s position beneath the iconic Forth Bridges, combined with excellent road and rail connections to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth, makes it highly accessible for boaters and visitors throughout central Scotland.
The marina generates income from berth fees, leases to 25 commercial tenants, and marine retail operations. Among the tenant businesses are Edinburgh Watersports, Forth Tours and Beacon, a retail outlet stocking clothing and accessories from multiple brands.
The deal ensures all employees and tenant businesses remaining in place under the new ownership. Outgoing owners Cara and Russell Aitken will step down in the coming weeks after completing a collaborative handover with the new management team, led by Jamie Hunter.
West Coast Capital is the investment arm of the Hunter Family Office, which focuses on backing founder-led, profitable businesses with a long-term investment approach.
Jamie Hunter, Partner in West Coast Capital, said: “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, not least Scotts, another one of our portfolio investments.”
Since taking over the leasehold in 2014, the Aitkens have driven significant improvements at Port Edgar through a seven-figure capital investment programme. Their work has included major dredging operations, upgraded marina infrastructure, and substantial enhancement of the shore-based facilities, establishing the venue as one of Scotland’s leading marinas.
“We are confident that West Coast Capital are the perfect owners to take Port Edgar forward,” said 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.”
Port Edgar’s origins date back to 1916 when it was established as HMS Columbine during the First World War. The site functioned as a Royal Navy training facility and became strategically important in the Second World War for minesweeping and anti-submarine warfare throughout the North Sea. Following its closure as a naval base in 1978, the site transitioned to civilian ownership and has developed into the successful marina and leisure destination it is today.
