Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan and Skye, MSP Kate Forbes are urging increased investment at Uig harbour in Skye, the mainland destination port for Harris and North Uist ferries.
Government agency CMAL is consulting over improvements to ferry piers at Uig, Lochmaddy and Tarbert to accommodate the MV Hebrides’ replacement.
Community groups and businesses have raised concerns about Uig pier which is exposed to the south west thus creating berthing difficulties in rough weather.
In past years, significant service disruption on the Uig triangle has been attributed to the pier’s alignment.
Uig pier is owned by Highland Council. However, Transport Scotland has tasked CMAL to identify the works and funding necessary to each terminal.
MSP Alasdair Allan said: “It was clear to me from meeting people who attended the
recent meeting held by CMAL in Lochmaddy, that there are concerns about the ability
to bring vessels alongside in Uig, particularly in a south-
“This can obviously be highly disruptive to passengers coming from Uist and Harris.
“With £97 million being spent by the Scottish Government on two new duel ferries
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“I am impressed by the new vessel’s design, and in particular by the fact that she is more powerful than the current vessel, MV Hebrides. However, I would urge CMAL to continue to engage with the communities about plans for improvements at Uig.”
MSP suggests changing alignment of ferry pier
21 April 2017
Uig harbour