The Highland Council has approved a draft and submission of a Harbour Revision Order for construction upgrade works at Uig Harbour.
The scheme is part of work by the local authority, in conjunction with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), CalMac and the Western Isles Council, to develop Uig, Tarbert and Lochmaddy ports in preparation for a larger vessel for the lifeline ferry service to the Western Isles, as well as additional passengers and vehicle traffic.
Detailed discussions are ongoing between these partners and Transport Scotland to identify the preferred works to each terminal and also to identify the funding and phasing of the works.
Members have now approved the drafting and submission of a Harbour Revision Order and other construction consents for the new works required at Uig Harbour.
Works include land reclamation, berthing structure strengthening and widening, new fendering, dredging, new gangway, linkspan refurbishment or replacement, passenger walkway shelter on the approachway and widening, the demolition and rebuilding of the existing old pier head, and relocation of harbourmaster's office. The demolition of the existing ticket office and construction of a new ticket office, the possible relocation of the fisherman's compound and the widening of the approachway will be the subject of a planning application.
A wave/coastal modelling study will be carried out during detailed design to consider engineering options for improving wind, wave and swell at the berth. When the new vessel comes into service, it is proposed to monitor the climate and berthing conditions which will inform the preferred engineering option.
Funding for the infrastructure improvement works at Uig will be recovered through increased harbour dues which are levied on CML. The final Masterplan Report has been completed, identifying the preferred improvement works, and this report has been submitted to Transport Scotland.
Chair of the Council's Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Allan Henderson, said: "This agreement makes sure that the construction consents can be progressed without delay to ensure the facilities maximise the benefits of the new vessel. This is vital to the whole of the west coast, as this allows the current vessel MV Hebrides to take up other duties and cascade the fleet across the network increasing availability of service and capacity."
Council Convener Bill Lobban added: "The significant investment in Uig harbour infrastructure will be a very positive development for Skye."
Lorna Spencer, Director of Harbours at CMAL said: "The age and condition of the existing infrastructure at these harbours will benefit from investment to optimise operations, and we have been working with the local authorities to investigate proposals for upgrade work. No final decisions have been made on what work will be carried out and proposals are subject to funding availability."
(LM)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
13/11/2024
A significant milestone has been reached in the regeneration of Fort William, with the completion of a new housing development at Upper Achintore. The project, delivered by The JR Group on behalf of Link Group, has added 82 energy-efficient affordable homes to the area, addressing a critical ...
13/11/2024
Glasgow has unveiled a comprehensive Net Zero Route Map, outlining the city's ambitious plans to achieve significant carbon emissions reductions by 2030. The city declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since developed a detailed climate action plan. The Net Zero Route Map builds on this ...
13/11/2024
A new Housing Planning Hub is set to accelerate the delivery of new homes in Scotland by streamlining the planning process. The initiative aims to address delays caused by factors such as lengthy decision-making for major developments, complex negotiations, and funding issues. In addition to the ...
13/11/2024
Bigg Regeneration, a joint venture between igloo and Scottish Canals, has submitted the next phase of plans for Dundashill, a major regeneration project in Glasgow's Port Dundas area. The latest phase will deliver 88 new homes, including apartments, duplex lofts, and townhouses, designed by ...
13/11/2024
St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies is expanding its offering after partnering with HSS Hire Group (HSS) to supply tool and equipment hire. The company's first collaboration of its kind sees a dedicated HSS counter located at its West Lothian base in Livingston from this week which is open to ...
13/11/2024
SSE has announced strong interim results, driven by increased contributions from its Electricity Networks and Renewables divisions. The company has also confirmed its commitment to a c.£20 billion investment program in clean power infrastructure through 2027. A key highlight of the period was the ...
13/11/2024
Arc-Tech (Scotland) has commenced work on a new care home in Perth, transforming the site of the former Hillside Hospital into a state-of-the-art facility. The development, led by Morrison Community Care (CCG) Holdco, a joint venture between Morrison Community Care Group and CCG (Scotland), will ...
13/11/2024
SP Energy Networks and Glasgow Warriors have been awarded the Community Engagement Award at the Planet Mark Awards 2024 for their successful partnership. The partnership has been praised for its commitment to championing diversity and inclusion through STEM education and sport. Key initiatives ...
13/11/2024
The Scottish Government has announced new funding to support communities most at risk from the impacts of climate change. The government will provide £40,000 to Regions4 to deliver a project focused on the emerging area of 'just resilience'. The term broadly refers to actions which prepare ...
13/11/2024
Balfour Beatty, the contractor responsible for the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project, is organising a series of ‘Meet the Contractor’ events in November. These events will provide local residents with an opportunity to learn about the upcoming construction works, which are scheduled to begin in ...