Work gets under way on Sconser ferry terminal upgrade
Work got under way today (Wednesday) on a £2 million contract to upgrade Sconser ferry terminal, Skye, which is home to the Raasay ferry service.
The first turfs were cut by Councillor Graham Phillips, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Transport Environment and Community Services Committee. Partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the contract is due for completion by summer 2013.
McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd of County Antrim have won the 32-week contract that involves the construction of a new waiting room, toilets, car parking and marshalling facilities. The slipway is to be widened and lengthened with new fendering installed on the existing pier.
The improvements to the terminal are required to accommodate the new hybrid ferry which is currently under construction at Ferguson’s Shipyard in Port Glasgow. The hull of the vessel will be launched in December and will continue to be fitted out in the coming months.
Construction works are being programmed to enable sea trials of the new vessel to take place in May next year, prior to the completion of the terminal works and introduction of the innovative battery/diesel powered hybrid ferry.
The Council has already provided a £12 million ferry terminal at Raasay, which was officially opened in August 2010.
Councillor Phillips said: “The Sconser Ferry is a vital lifeline for the residents of Raasay and is also a popular service for tourists. This is a timely and much needed improvement, providing additional parking space and extension to the pier to accommodate the pioneering hybrid ferry.”
Margaret McVicar, Chairman of Raasay Community Council, said: "The new Raasay Ferry Terminal at Sconser, along with the innovative hybrid ferry, will hopefully fulfil the needs and aspirations of both islanders and visitors."
Andrew Flockhart, Head of Business Development, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, said: “CMAL are delighted to be working with The Highland Council on this exciting and innovative project which will see our first hybrid ferry making a significant contribution to the environment and communities of both islands.”