Work is underway to take forward the next phase of a fishing hub development at Lerwick Harbour.

Lerwick Port Authority is planning to develop a new white fish market on Mair's Quay.

The industry is already making use of the new £16.5 million Holmsgarth North quay, which was completed in late 2016. The 800-metre-plus, L-shaped jetty provides deeper berthing of up to 10 metres and more working area for the fishing fleet.

The new market will double capacity at what is already the UK's second-largest landings port and completion is due for 2018. The Port Authority has submitted an application for European Maritime and Fisheries Fund support for the scheme.

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Sandra Laurenson, Port Authority Chief Executive, said: "The completion of Holmsgarth North was another major step forward in our development programme and has been welcomed by the sector.

"The Authority's next milestone project is the anticipated replacement fish market and this will be the catalyst for making Holmsgarth and Mair's Quay the new fishing hub in Lerwick, used by both the white fish and pelagic sectors."

Elsewhere, Tulloch Developments has been awarded an £800,000 contract to undertake the first phase of access road and car parking to complement the market. Work will begin this month and completion is scheduled for later this year.

(LM/MH)