Plans to revamp Stornoway harbour has taken a step forward with the announcement of £3.5m funding for the creation of a new marina and facilities at Goat Island.
Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, visited the port today to hear about a £66 million plan to boost facilities for ferries, cruise ships, renewables and oil exploration.
If it comes to fruition, the proposals would dramatically improve Stornoway’s economic future.
Included, is an £11 million regeneration of Goat Island with the creation of a new marina for up to 70 yachts, a marine engineering workshop and infrastructure to support a new food standards building.
HIE is awarding £3.5m to the project while Comhairle nan Eilean Siar -
Work will start as soon as consents have been obtained, expected in April.
When completed, the new marina will offer shoreside facilities as well as a public slipway and a long awaited boat lift facility and boat storage.
Newton Bay Marina would be established on the north side of Goat Island with some limited dredging, reclamation works and the building of a short breakwater.
The additional berths would nearly double Stornoway’s existing capacity.
The 80 yacht spaces in the Cromwell Street marina in the inner harbour are often full during the summer months.
The Outer Hebrides is a key sailing destination for visitors, and Stornoway is an important link in the chain of marinas stretching from the Butt of Lewis to the Isle of Barra.
The boatyard at Goat Island carries out repairs and maintenance on fishing boats
and leisure craft, but needs additional capability such as a covered slipway and
side-
One flagship development also being progressed is a deep water facility which would
address many of the port’s immediate needs, such as a large berth for renewables,
an offshore servicing base, de-
During his visit to Stornoway, Mr Swinney saw first-
Mr Swinney said: “Our seas continue to be a central feature of Scotland’s
economy and our plans for jobs and growth.
“The Scottish Government is fully supportive of the ports industry, and we recognise the hugely beneficial impact Stornoway Port Authority has on both the local, regional and national economy.
“Remote communities in particular greatly benefit from marine tourism, resulting in additional business, jobs and prosperity.
“The creation of a new marina at Newton will have a positive effect on the wider economy for years to come.
“Today was an excellent opportunity to see some of the projects already completed
as part of SPA’s 20-
£3.5 million boost to Stornoway’s Goat Island redevelopment
14 February 2019