Notice from Secretary Upper Forth Boat Club

Please be advised that last week Falkirk Council placed a marker on the concrete plinth of the former beacon off the West pier at Bo'ness. The new marker is a steel pole. In time it may be replaced with a lit structure. 

The pole is on the plinth, beyond which the ruined extension of the West pier extends seaward at a lower level so a further 10 metres offing is advised.

The plinth, an obstruction in apparently safe water, unmarked for nearly thirty years, has accounted for three boats since the removal of the original lattice structure. One of these the Pushy Cat, a steel work boat operated by Lan Marine involved rescue of the crewman by helicopter. 

Thanks are due to Falkirk Council and Councillor John Constable Chairman of Bo'ness Town Centre Regeneration Group in particular for the new mark, erected in time for the canal re-opening.

Three years ago very substantial engineering work was carried out by Falkirk Council to stabilise the Bo'ness East and West piers. The new marker may seem a small measure in comparison but in addition to its utility it is symbolic in that its provision was made solely for the needs of navigation.
With the 400th anniversary of Bo'ness as a port to be celebrated later this year it is anticipated that further harbour improvements will follow.

Will keep you informed.

Regards,

Paul Shave
Hon Sec Upper Forth Boat Club.

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