Plans have been unveiled for Scotland’s first purpose-built cruise ship terminal on the mainland at the site of a decommissioned coal-fired power station.

The development, at Cock­enzie in East Lothian, would be able to accommodate modern liners that are unable to dock further up the Firth of Forth because of their height and width.

The seaside town is “uniquely placed to be the gateway for cruise visitors”, according to the prospective developers, who hope that Cockenzie would offer a natural stopping off point for cruise ships from Europe and the Baltic countries.

It is estimated that Cockenzie could accommodate at least 200 cruise liners a year, bringing around 500,000 visitors to Scotland. At present only Orkney has a purpose-built terminal for cruise ships in Scotland, although many liners call into Scottish ports around the country.