A Scottish Government-backed deep-water port in Stornoway which will support future
renewable energy developments and cruise ship opportunities has been officially handed
over to operators, Stornoway Port Authority, by Deputy First Minister Shona Robison.
Ms Robison toured the new harbour development to mark the end of the construction phase.
Docked at the new quayside was ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship, MS Seabourn
Venture, a regular visitor to the Stornoway anchorage and the second cruise vessel
to berth at the new facility.
The project has delivered a new terminal with a cruise ship berthing facility capable
of accommodating vessels up to 360 metres in length and a new deep-water dock for
large cargo vessels, to allow the berthing and unloading of components for renewable
energy and other key industry sectors.
The project – which cost £59 million in total – is being supported with £33.7 million of Scottish Government funding to help boost the island’s economy.
This initiative involved partnership working between the Scottish Government, Stornoway Port Authority, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the local authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Visit Scotland.
The comhairle provided a £40 loan facility to the port authority to be repaid over a number of years while Highlands and Isles Enterprise awarded a £11.8 million grant.
Shona Robison said: “This significant infrastructure project will help unlock Stornoway – and the wider region’s – full economic potential both as a green energy gateway and a magnet for the lucrative cruise ship market, which is expected to be worth £13 billion globally by 2031.
“The completion of construction marks the culmination of dedicated partnership working – allowing us to create a development of real value, boosting the islands’ economy as part of our efforts to deliver economic growth in every part of Scotland.
“The Scottish Government is fully committed to investing in our rural and island communities, helping them thrive – and empowering people to enjoy the unique employment opportunities and strong sense of community that life on our islands offers.”
Alex Macleod, chief executive of the Stornoway Port Authority, said: “Today is the
result of four years of specialist building work to create a world-leading terminal
that will transform the experience of cruise passengers to the islands.
“It will also allow us to further develop the opportunities we have with the offshore renewables industry.
“It has been exciting to see the collaborative approach between all our local partners, which will be essential to ensure the operational success of the terminal.
“The support we have had from the community during the build has been incredible, so this is the perfect opportunity to thank them.”
Since 2020, the project’s advisory board was chaired by former Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, and more recently by the current Deputy First Minister Shona Robison.
The Scottish Government has invested in and driven progress into Scotland’s renewables potential, with a pledge of up to £500 million to support the offshore wind industry across Scotland.
Handover for Stornoway’s new £59 million deep water port
24 April 2024
