Seabird Centre plans to dive beneath the waves

THE Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick has put in a bid for £600,000 lottery cash to build a new extension under the sea.

The new wing, to be called Our Blue World, will allow visitors to see and hear dolphins, whales and porpoises in the Firth of Forth.

An underground tunnel would link the existing centre to new a new harbourside development, a proposal which designers say could revitalise the harbour.

The announcement of the planned extension comes after the centre earned a prestigious five-star rating from the national tourist board, VisitScotland.

The new development would feature an underwater camera and a hydrophone which would allow visitors to experience the undersea world of the estuary more vividly than ever before.

The new waterfront extension is also designed to include new teaching areas for school visits and add three new zones to the centre.

The underwater camera and hydrophone would be the highlight of Our Blue World, which could also include displays about the whales, porpoises and dolphins which regularly visit the Forth.

A new section called Find Us will feature live satellite links which are aimed at giving visitors the chance to track migrating seabirds on their journey around the planet. Another new section, called The Energy Zone, will explore the ideas of using wind and wave power to produce electricity, with exhibits and demonstrations featuring alternative energy sources.

The centre’s director, Tom Brock, said a decision on funding for the planned extension is expected this summer.

He said: "With half a million visitors since we opened and a raft of prestigious awards behind us, I’m delighted that the centre continues to go from strength to strength.

"We are certainly not resting on our laurels, however, but are committed to fulfilling our pledge to help people understand and care about the natural environment."

Kevin Rettie, the creative director of 442 Design which is drawing up the plans for the new development, said adding a new wing to the Seabird Centre could bring new life to North Berwick’s seafront.

"By introducing a tunnel link to the existing attraction, we will revitalise the old harbourside area. We have also incorporated a relaxation area to allow enjoyment of the harbour front," he said.

Mr Rettie said the Seabird Centre was looking for a visually exciting design which would develop new themes.

A spokeswoman for the Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board said: "We’re delighted that the centre continues to ensure its ongoing appeal to visitors."