| Stornoway Inner Harbour Regeneration Proposals | 08 October 2007 |
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A feasibility study has identified a demand for new marina facilities and related onshore developments within Stornoway Inner Harbour. The study - jointly funded by Stornoway Port Authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and HIE Innse Gall - was carried out by Land Use Consultants in association with EKOS Ltd and Mott Macdonald. The indicative design proposals envisage up to 40 new pontoon berths with modern amenities, located in deeper water than the existing marina and capable of accommodating vessels up to 15m long. The Study also makes provision for onshore facilities such as showers, laundry and toilets and a range of environmental and public realm improvements. The proposals, which would be implemented in phases, are likely to cost over £2 million. Stornoway has many attractions for yachting visitors - natural shelter, a working harbour with a good range of services, a first class airport, shops, restaurants and a very scenic setting with the Castle as the backdrop. Captain Torquil Macleod, Harbour Master with Stornoway Port Authority said: ‘This is an exciting project not just for Stornoway but the islands as a whole. The West Coast of Scotland has long been recognised as one of the best sailing areas in Europe, with Stornoway a favoured stop-over, as many of the services these boats require are readily available.’ ‘Yacht visits to the Outer Hebrides are increasing year on year and we are seeing more and more of the bigger class of boats, which in turn, demand modern facilities at the quay-side. As well as electricity and water at the pontoons we need to provide showers, laundry facilities and toilets, both for current users and to provide scope for increased demand in the future. While the existing pontoons have been a great success for visitors and local boat owners alike, we need to be prepared to meet the obvious demands of this vibrant sector of the market. We have reached this stage with the Comhairle and HIE Innse Gall and we hope this partnership will continue into the implementation stage. Completion of the feasibility study allows us to move forward to the next stage and develop the preferred option for the pontoons. We will do this in consultation with harbour users, including fishermen, to ensure that everyone benefits.’ Cllr Angus McCormack, Chairman of Stornoway Regeneration Group said: ‘I am delighted that this study has been completed and that Stornoway Port Authority has involved the Stornoway Regeneration Group from the outset. Stornoway harbour is an integral part of the town centre and developments around the harbour have to be carefully planned. The needs of harbour users, the local community, businesses and general visitors all need to be considered. These proposals along with other initiatives such as Lews Castle and the Township Heritage Initiatives have the potential to make Stornoway one of the most attractive yachting destinations in Scotland.’ Further Information: Capt Torquil Macleod Harbour Master/Depute Chief Executive CnES: Iain Macleod Economic Development Officer Strategic Projects
Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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