Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, says Uig pier should be upgraded to accommodate the Stornoway ferry, MV Loch Seaforth, in emergencies.
Presently the Seaforth cannot berth at any north west harbour apart from Stornoway or Ullapool due to her size and draft.
Mrs Grant said adapting Uig pier in Skye would be an “advantage in any emergency that prevents docking at Ullapool.”
MSP urges Skye pier upgrade accommodates Stornoway ferry
26 April 2017
The MP has also been in dialogue with the pier owners, Highland Council, following concerns on its ability to accommodate the new ferry and the increased volume of travellers.
Mrs Grant said: “It would seem on the face of it the new ferry would fit geometrically however the increased vehicle and passenger capacity would obviously put a strain on the existing infrastructure given its age and condition.”
Mrs Grant welcomed the forthcoming dual fuelled ferry.
She said: “Given the proposal outlines an environmentally friendly, powerful and more economic ferry I would then hope passage times would decrease which would then hopefully boost tourism for the islands.”
