One of Scotland’s best-known marinas, Port Edgar Marina, has been placed on the market, with offers now invited for its long leasehold interest, as current owners Cara and Russell Aitken prepare to step back after more than a decade of stewardship.
Located on the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry, the site is a thriving waterfront hub with berthing for over 300 vessels, a full-service boatyard, sailing schools, and a vibrant mix of retail and hospitality offerings. The marina is being marketed by Savills, which is also offering a prime residential and retail site in Edinburgh’s New Town.
The sale encompasses the entire shareholding of Port Edgar (Holdings), Port Edgar Marina, and Production Yachts (Port Edgar), including all operational interests and business assets. The leasehold, held from the City of Edinburgh Council, runs until 2100.
Operations at the marina will continue as normal throughout the sale process, with all staff and tenants remaining in place.
A Multi-Stream Revenue Business
Port Edgar Marina benefits from three revenue streams:
- Direct marina operations
- Sub-leases to 25 third-party occupiers
- In-house marine retail and service businesses
Notable tenants include Scotts Restaurant, Edinburgh Watersports, and Forth Tours, drawing both locals and tourists to the waterfront site.
Decade of Investment and Transformation
Since acquiring the lease in 2014, the Aitkens have delivered a seven-figure investment programme including dredging, infrastructure upgrades, and extensive redevelopment of shore-side facilities.
“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,” said Russell Aitken, Managing Director at Port Edgar Marina. “But we believe it’s the right time for new ownership to take it forward.”
Originally commissioned in 1916 as HMS Columbine, the site served as a Royal Navy base through both World Wars before being repurposed for civilian use in 1978.
Strong Buyer Interest Expected
Savills’ Richard Prestwich, Director in the leisure and trade-related property team, noted the marina offers “both immediate operational income and the potential for future development” and is expected to draw high levels of buyer interest.
New Town Residences Development Site Also for Sale
In a separate Edinburgh listing, Savills has brought to market a residential-led development opportunity at 108–114 and 116 Dundas Street, in the capital’s New Town.
The New Town Residences project has detailed planning consent for the demolition of existing office buildings and construction of 58 apartments, including:
- 12 affordable homes
- Three commercial units totalling 9,429 sq ft
- 31 underground parking spaces
- Private terraces at penthouse level
An additional nine private apartments have been consented to the rear of the site at 40 Henderson Place, making the site one of the city centre’s most high-profile mixed-use development opportunities.
Both properties reflect continuing strong investor appetite for waterfront and city centre assets across Scotland.
