By 1579 Skinfast Haven was described as a ‘new sea port, previously little used and in need of repair’. However, John Beaton, the Laird of Kilrenny, agreed to improve the harbour by renovating the piers in order to improve the landing facilities. In return he collected tithes (fees) from all the fishermen’s catches.

By 1623 the harbour was reported as ‘decayit’ and as a result an improvement grant was obtained two years later. However, the improved harbour was destroyed by a great storm in 1655.

Reports in 1681 stated Kilrenny and Cellardyke were suffering from poverty and decay of trade but in 1703 it was described more positively with the harbour ‘pretty deep and covered with Hewen Head of Stone’. Years later Roy’s map of 1747 distinctly marks the pier.

In 1813, after many fatal disasters around the harbour entrance, the Magistrates and Town Council petitioned the Convention of Royal Burghs of Scotland to improve the harbour. The petition stated that the harbour was ‘used daily by other fishermen in the Firth of Forth – from Newhaven, Fisherrow and Prestonpans’. Improvements however were delayed.