Marine tourism visitors to the Outer Hebrides are benefiting from a new link in the chain of facilities in west Lewis.
The first stage of the community-
The second stage of currently undergoing works includes a utilities building, which is run, in part, by renewable energy to provide showers, toilets and laundrette facilities and an electrical vehicle charge point. A new camper van hook up area will also be provided.
The newly improved access to the water encourages marine leisure visitors to embark and stay longer, stimulating business development and providing greater opportunities to conduct marine based activities.
At busy times the pontoons could accommodate up to 24 boats, with some double-
Great Bernera Community Development Trust (GBCDT) was awarded a £70,000 grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to help meet the cost of creating 12 berths for local boat use and deeper water berths for visiting yachts.
Visitor numbers to west side of Lewis have increased over the last three summers pre-
The Great Bernera community has been working towards a crofting community buyout for many years. If successful, the group plans to take urgent measures to reverse the outward flow of young people.
The current population is around 250, however, like many other areas, the average age is increasing, as young people move away, and retired couples move in.
Anne Ryan, Chair of the GBCDT, said: “It’s most satisfying to see this project, which has been five years in advancing from an aspiration to the successful implementation of the first stage. We look forward to the opening of the facilities building later this year. We also plan a licensed restaurant, which will encourage more visitors and overnight stays at the pontoons.
“At the same time our development officers are working with the trust on other projects to provide a much-
New yacht pontoon for Great Bernera
5 September 2022