‘Alternative developed’ options for replacement of Lochboisdale pier to be revealed today by CMAL
3 December 2024
CMAL is due to hold a face-
The event will cover the Mallaig–Lochboisdale new vessel project with a previous pledge to build a brand new ship to replace the present MV Lord of the Isles for the Mallaig route.
“Alternative developed options” for the replacement of the existing Lochboisdale ferry terminal will be provided at the event said CMAL.
Concerns rumble over a lack of certainty over funding to allow both projects to proceed to the tendering stage.
Funding permission remains withheld at the moment. The next consideration date for approval was to be by the end of March 2025, subject to change.
Given procurement delays, its unclear if commencement of ferry operations from a new Lochboisdale ferry terminal will occur by the end of the decade.
A 2017 report concluded that parts of the existing ferry terminal had reached the end of their serviceable life. CMAL is leading the project to build a new ferry terminal for Lochboisdale.
Completion dates for the new pier have been pushed back by two and a half years since consultations began in 2022.
Hebrides News revealed last year predicted building costs of the pier had soared up to £40 million. If construction designs remain untouched, this figure is likely to increase further given the trend of escalating costs for marine construction projects.
Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop recently said work was progressing with additional technical and economic studies, including ground investigation scoping.
She stressed: “It is vital that a robust business case is completed to refine the options, costs and risks, as well as outlining affordability and value for money, taking cognisance of the current fiscal challenges across the Scottish Government.”
The open event takes place at Southend Hall between 3pm and 7pm.
A consultation meeting is also expected to be held in Mallaig on Wednesday 11 December.