Stornoway Port Authority has commissioned an engineering study needed for the installation of new yacht pontoons in the Inner Harbour; the first stage of a project to develop and upgrade facilities within the harbour.
A new marina facility will include 43 extra berths for larger yachts. Presently there are 27 berths for leisure craft, mostly local.
The aim is to tap into the growing west coast sailing market and encourage more yachtsmen to explore the Outer Hebrides.
The harbour board said it had a successful exhibition in Stornoway Town Hall on Friday to allow people to comment on the development.
The port authority has gone with public feedback and decided that the pontoons should be fixed on permanent piles rather than with movable chains and anchors.
It has now awarded the contract for the investigative boreholes. The pontoons still require consents and complete funding but are expected to be available later in the summer.
A huge amount of mud and silt was dredged out of the inner harbour by the MV Admiral Day over six weeks last spring.
Stornoway Port Authority Chief Executive, Jane Maciver, said: “We were delighted with the support received for this project from stakeholders and members of the public.
“We believe that this pontoon project will have a significant impact, not only on businesses in Stornoway, but also throughout the Outer Hebrides as yachts that will come to Stornoway will undoubtedly travel around the islands.
“The Port Authority is also looking forward to other pontoon facility projects throughout the Hebrides being progressed, so that together, we can offer visiting yachts a comprehensive Hebridean experience.”
The new pontoons are the first phase of a larger project. Future stages include installation of fishing boat pontoons, ship hoist facility and onshore toilet and shower facility building as funds become available.
