Views sought on new ferry terminal proposal

16 June 2022

Five options for a new ferry pier in South Uist will be aired at a public meeting tonight.

Construction of a new ferry terminal is required as the current pier infrastructure at Lochboisdale is at the end of its serviceable life and beyond economical repair.

A public meeting is being held tonight in Southend Hall, Daliburgh. The forum runs between 6pm and 8pm.

Representatives of CMAL, CalMac and consultants Jacobs will be in attendance and will be able to answer questions about the five options currently being investigated.

A different location at nearby Gasay Island is the preferred site for the new facility.

This would provide for a deep water berth while also improving navigational safety and manoeuvrability as the existing current approach to Lochboisdale is quite tight with the added hazard of yachts or leisure craft exiting the marina into the shipping channel.

The location also allows space for a larger and better modern terminal building with a significantly enhanced marshalling area compared to the existing facility.

The benefit of a second berth - which could be used by visiting cruiseliners - is being considered. Most of the potential layouts options being looked at would allow for two vessel to dock at the same time.

Scottish Government agency, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (Cmal), is leading the project to build a replacement ferry terminal.

Cmal is supported in the project by a working group with representatives from Transport Scotland and CalMac.

The favoured site is located within the red bordered rectangle