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.

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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)