In June 2005, the North Berwick Harbour Management Committee, the advisory body to East Lothian Council on harbour matters, set up a small team of people with interests in and around the harbour, to look at the best way ahead for the area.

Soundings were taken from all users and it was quickly established that the transfer of the facility from East Lothian Council to a Trust, where local control could be established and much needed funding sought, was the preferred option.

On Friday 01 June 2007, a legal agreement was signed (see photo) whereby the recently formed Harbour Trust Association would run the harbour in parallel with the Council, pending implementation of full Trust status expected within two years.

Gerry Hughes, Chairman of the Trust Association stated that considerable work and effort had gone into getting the venture to this stage and that it was a terrific opportunity to preserve the Harbour, so cherished by many, as a common user facility, safeguarding the interests of both commercial and leisure users, while at the same time allowing it to be developed in a sympathetic manner.

The Harbour is many things to many people and it is a magnet for tourists, whether they wish to go on the water or simply sit and enjoy the views and activities.