The Deputy First Minister John Swinney has opened a new £10 million port on an island in the Western Isles.

Mr Swinney opened the new port at Lochnoisdale, South Uist, on 5 September.

The regeneration project has been taken forward by community organisation Stòras Uibhist and has created new marine and leisure facilities.

Two causeways and two breakwaters have been completed as part of the project, along with a road to Gasaigh Island, a new fishery pier, a slipway, pontoon berths and facilities for fishermen and leisure sailors.


Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) supported the project through the feasibility and design stages and contributed £5m to the construction phase.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar contributed £625,000 of grant funding, with the project also supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Scottish Government and BIG Lottery.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Swinney said: "The Lochboisdale port of entry will make a huge contribution to the economy of the Western Isles, helping tourism and other local industries to flourish and pursue the kind of inclusive growth which benefits the entire community.

(LM)