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Danish yachtsman Henrik Marcussen is impressed with the marina

A new  £1.15 million yacht marina in Stornoway harbour has been a massive success in its first season.

 

The cluster of pontoons in the picturesque port below the historic Lews Castle aims to tap into the growing west coast sailing market and encourage more yachtsmen to explore the Outer Hebrides.

 

Being only minutes from the airport makes it one of the best for access and convenience as visitors can join or leave yachts easier compared to many other coastal facilities.

 

Demand is already surging well beyond expectations with berths full up this summer - a scenario the harbour board predicted would not happen for another three years.

 

Some 70 berths are now available including 43 spaces for larger yachts which has proved very popular this summer.

 

The number of visiting sail boats in June was double compared to the same time last season, meaning extra trade for the shops, cafes and pubs around the town.

 

A massive amount of mud and silt was dredged out of the inner harbour to accommodate the facility. A temporary onshore toilet and shower facility building has been installed while shore power and wi-fi is also on hand.

 

Danish yachtsman Henrik Marcussen is delighted at the modern marina.

 

Mr Marcussen - who sailed from the eastern side of Denmark, down the Caledonian Canal and is now exploring west coast of Scotland.

 

“The facilities are very good. It is nice in the middle of the town and this has everything I need.

 

“Its very good having the marina in the centre of town because you can get supplies and freshwater.”

 

Peter Campbell sailed with family up the west coast to his childhood island.

 

Mr Campbell said: “We were at numerous marinas and Stornoway is the friendliest harbour we have been to.”

 

Jane Maciver, chief executive of Stornoway Port Authority, said: “The new marina brings more tourists into the island.

 

“It means we can just cope with the amount of visiting vessels that want to tour around the Hebrides.”

 

Ms MacIver added: “Its been very enthusiastically received from the yachting community. We’ve had nothing but positive comments about the facilities here. They are thrilled to bits with it.”

 

The harbour board believes the marina will boost trade for many businesses, not just in Stornoway but throughout the Outer Hebrides as yachts coming to the harbour will also sail around the islands.

 

The port authority said it is also looking forward to other pontoon facility projects throughout the Hebrides being progressed to offer visiting yachts a comprehensive Hebridean experience.

 

The new marina is part of a larger project for Stornoway. Future stages include installation of fishing boat pontoons, ship hoist facility and onshore toilet and shower facility building as funds become available.

 

The harbour board also hopes to create a base for super yachts with overwintering facilities and servicing centre.

 

In addition, nearly 40 cruiseliners are scheduled to visit Stornoway this year, almost double the number in 2013.

 

 

New yacht marina full to the gunwales             8/8/14