A £2m project to refurbish Sconser Ferry Terminal on the Isle of Skye has been completed, the Highland Council has revealed.

Contractor McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd started work on the upgrade in November 2012.

The works were funded by The Highland Council and European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) and have included the construction of a new waiting room and toilets, car parking and marshalling facilities as well as the remodelling of the slipway.

Upon completion of the scheme, the Park and Ride minibus service for ferry users, which has been running since Easter ,will cease at the last sailing tonight (7 August), and from tomorrow, passengers and vehicles will be able to use the new car park and marshalling area at the terminal.

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The completion of Sconser Terminal brings to an end the works to upgrade the Sconser - Raasay ferry route. The Raasay Ferry Terminal, located at Churchton Bay, was opened in the summer of 2010 after concerns were raised over the poor state of the old terminal at Suisnish. Careful design and programming has minimised disruption to the ferry service during the works to both terminals. The new facilities on either side of the crossing will ensure the continuation of a reliable service between the two islands for tourists and residents and will provide a more comfortable journey for all.

The route is now capable of accommodating the new Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd, Loch Class ferry the MV Hallaig.

Councillor Graham Phillips, Chair of the Council's Transport Environmental and Community Services Committee said: "I am delighted that we have provided very much improved facilities at Sconser to accommodate the ferry traffic heading to Raasay. This is good news for the residents of Raasay and the general travelling public. We now look forward to the new ferry arriving later in the year."

(JP/MH)