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Ice cold in Stornoway                 12/12/12

Commercial ice is widely available once more in Stornoway Harbour after the port authority stepped in after the existing ice pant broke down.  

The 16-year-old facility operated by the Stornoway Fishermen’s Co-operative gave up the ghost in September after suffering a number of faults.  The aging unprofitable plant on Esplanade Quay was assessed as being beyond economic repair.

Ice is used to chill catches and keep prawns as fresh as possible before being landed for processing in Stornoway or export.

Previous ice plants and similar infrastructure in the islands took years to be built between launching the funding process and final construction.

The co-op obtained a small machine for their own members. Other island fishing boats faced steaming long distances to get supplies. The nearest alternative ice plants are Kallin in Uist, Uig in Skye or across the Minch at Lochinver and Ullapool.

Stornoway Port Authority have now leased an ice machine as a temporary measure until a new ice plant can be installed.

Port chief executive, Jane Maciver, said: “We had to wait longer than we would have wished for an ice machine to become available, but we are delighted that it is now up and running and producing good ice.

“We know how important a commodity this is for fishermen and for a wide variety of other users and we are glad to be able to step in and give this assistance.”

SNP Councillor Gordon Murray who first raised fishermens’ concerns welcomed the news.

Mr Murray said: “I am delighted that the port authority has taken the initiative in opening this Ice plant and has plans to install a larger capacity ice plant in the future. Their rapid response to a situation which left the fishing industry in difficulty is just the commendable response which I would expect from a trust which puts the community first.”

“I’ll be writing the Port Authority expressing my ongoing support for their work in servicing the needs of the local fishing and fish processing industries.

Customers are encouraged to place orders for ice with the harbour office so that ice production can be managed effectively.

An independent cost benefit analysis and options appraisal has been commissioned in respect of a new ice plant and work on this will start in the New Year.

Consultations will take place to help determine the optimum size and site for a new ice plant in Stornoway.