New ice plant plans

A permanent ice plant is to be built in Stornoway harbour three years after the “irretrievable breakdown” of the old machine.

Ice is needed to chill catches and keep prawns as fresh as possible before onward delivery for processing locally or export.

The 16-year-old facility operated by the Stornoway Fishermen’s Co-operative gave up the ghost in September 2012 after suffering a number of faults. The aging, unprofitable plant on Esplanade Quay was assessed as being beyond economic repair.

The fishermen’s co-op obtained a small machine for their own members.

But 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 stepped in and temporarily leased an ice machine for the wider fishing industry.

New ice plant plans

29 December 2014

Now the harbour board will build a new permanent ice plant after a successful application to the European Fisheries Fund.

Experienced civil engineer, Malcolm Maciver, of Lewis firm Maciver Consultancy Services has been appointed project manager to oversee the purchase and installation of the equipment.

Murdo Murray, vice chair of the harbour board, said: “As a result of stakeholder requests, the port authority has assisted with the provision of ice since that breakdown by installing a small ice machine on what was supposed to be a short-term temporary basis.

“As it became clear that the Fisherman’s Co-operative were unable to reinstate an ice facility the port authority agreed to take on ice provision in the port.”

The process to tender for the new ice plant will start “in the New Year,” said the harbour board.

It is understood the old ice plant will be demolished the fishermen’s co-operative and the new plant built on the same site.