The Lochmaddy Pier upgrades in North Uist which has been completed on behalf of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar was officially declared open by Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop MSP following a £15m upgrade which was completed by George Leslie.
The Scottish Government-funded Lochmaddy Pier upgrade works, delivered by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar as the harbour authority, have seen the length of the pier extended and a series of other improvements.
The upgrade works have been completed as part of the Skye Triangle Infrastructure Improvement Programme alongside works at Tarbert, on Harris and Uig, on Skye. This was originally planned to redevelop the ports to accommodate the new ferries.
There is an expanded marshalling area along with a pier extension and strengthening, new fendering and dredging.
The work at Lochmaddy in North Uist is part of a wider programme of ferry infrastructure improvements around an area of sea called the Little Minch.
Following a tender process, the project to develop the pier was awarded to contractor George Leslie Limited for £15.3M in February 2022.
Councillor Kenny Macleod, the Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, thanked all those involved in the project as well as the community for their continued patience while the works were undertaken.
Councillor Uisdean Robertson, Chair of Transportation at CnES, 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.”
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.