Industry consultant Barton Willmore has been selected to help deliver two new harbour facilities in Stornoway.

As part of Stornoway Port Authority's 20-year plan to regenerate the harbour area, proposals involve creating a deep-water port in Stornoway to capitalise on the growth of the cruise sector by allowing visits from larger ships, and improved facilities for the energy sector including a new freight ferry berth.

In addition, a new marine will be developed within the town at Newton to meet the growing demand for yacht berths.

Barton Willmore will be responsible for driving forward a consenting strategy, which includes applications for a Harbour Revision Order, Marine Licences and securing the necessary planning consents, as well as overseeing a programme of engagement with local residents and businesses. This work will be carried out in close collaboration with environmental consultancy EnviroCentre, who will be responsible for preparing the associated Environmental Impact Assessments..

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Planning Director, Colin Lavety, said: "We are thrilled to be playing a key role in regeneration projects of this scale, which are vital to growing Stornoway's economy and will have a significant positive impact on the Hebrides.

"We have extensive ports and harbour experience, including securing the necessary planning consent for the new Aberdeen Harbour Expansion at Bay of Nigg.

"Our appointment to work for Stornoway Port Authority is a natural progression from this work and demonstrates the diversity of our service offer."

Stornoway Port Authority Chief Executive, Alex MacLeod, added: "The appointment of Barton Willmore will help to realise these bold and ambitious developments.

"We're extremely excited to work alongside their expert team who can help us plan these projects further, and manage a thorough engagement programme with the local community who will ultimately benefit from the projects for decades to come."

(LM/MH)