Tunnel, Cove Harbour

A tunnel dating to 1751-4, located at Cove Harbour. This tunnel was cut through solid rock and includes four excavated cellars within, possibly enlarged from a natural cave. The northern entrance features a segmental-arched construction of sandstone rubble, accompanied by splayed wing walls. Later concrete repairs and strengthening work has been carried out both internally and at the southern approach. The tunnel is approximately 183 feet long and wide enough to accommodate a cart. It contains a main passage, 114 feet long and up to 10 feet 6 inches wide, from which four cellars extend. Prior to the construction of the harbour and access road in 1831, the tunnel likely provided the only convenient access to the shoreline. The tunnel is shown on an Ordnance Survey map from around 1854 and remains in use. Further details are documented by Angus Graham in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Volumes XCVII and 101, and in Buildings of Scotland: Borders by Kitty Cruft.