Slipways to transfer to local communities

The Highland Council is to transfer two slipways in its management to community groups who have plans for redevelopment.

At a meeting of the Council’s Fishery Harbours Management Board, members gave the go ahead for £15k from the Harbours revenue budget to be spent on repairs to the North Kessock ferry slipway.  The Board will then recommend to the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee that the slipway be sold to the North Kessock Community Pier Group.

Prior to the opening of the Kessock Bridge, the slipway was used by the Kessock Ferry to transfer cars and pedestrians across the firth.  Since 1982 it has been used mainly by leisure crafts and the occasional commercial vessel. Now in a poor condition remedial works are urgently required.

If the Board’s recommendation is approved, once the immediate repair work is completed, the council will transfer ownership to the North Kessock Community Pier Group.  The group then plan to source grant funding to carry out a full refurbishment.

Idrigill Jetty lies on the eastern shore of Uig bay on the Isle of Skye accessible via a rough track through former croft land.  The Idrigill community want to purchase the jetty and associated land with a view to enhancing the area by creating viewpoints and picnic areas as well as utilising the slipway to encourage leisure activities.

Chairman of the Fishery Harbours Management Board, Councillor Graham Phillips said:  “To secure the long-term future of these slipways, the communities have come forward with exciting plans as they are assets which can provide major benefits if managed and operated locally.  In our Programme for The Highland Council we give a strong commitment to empowering our communities so the Board is very supportive of these proposals and wish both communities well in their redevelopment plans.”