A ceremony has taken place to formally open Lochmaddy Pier following the completion of upgrade works by contractor George Leslie.
Fiona Hyslop MSP, cabinet secretary for transport, cut the ribbon to mark the milestone moment. The Scottish Government funded the works, delivered by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, which has seen the length of the pier extended and a series of improvements implemented.
The works were completed as part of the Skye Triangle Infrastructure Improvement Programme alongside projects at Tarbert, Harris and Uig, Skye.
Following a tender process, the project to develop the pier was awarded to George Leslie Limited for £15.3 million in February 2022.
The Lochmaddy project and the works at Tarbert and Uig have been coordinated by the Little Minch Routes Infrastructure Group, which includes representatives from Highland Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and partner organisations. The Skye Triangle Infrastructure Improvement Programme has been completed in anticipation of the arrival of two new vessels currently under construction in Turkey.
Councillor Uisdean Robertson, chair of transportation, said, “The delivery of this project alongside the improvement works at Tarbert and Uig has demonstrated the value of close partnership working between Transport Scotland, CMAL, CalMac, local authorities and partner organisations. The development of the pier in anticipation of the arrival of the ferries currently under construction in Turkey is welcome and will see a dedicated vessel on the Lochmaddy to Uig route.”
Fiona Hyslop MSP commented, “I’m delighted to have been able to visit and help formally open these upgraded facilities at Lochmaddy Ferry Terminal, which have been funded with £15.7 million from the Scottish Government. The new marine infrastructure is already bringing benefits to ferry services through improved berthing facilities, including the strengthened and extended pier, new fendering and an expanded marshalling area. I’d like to thank Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and partners for their hard work in delivering this upgrade and have no doubt it is welcomed by the local communities that rely on these facilities.”
