Following a competitive tendering process Comhairle nan Eilean Siar announces that local firm Macinnes Brothers has been awarded the £1.5 million contract to construct a new harbour at Ardveenish, Isle of Barra.
This will create a sheltered, fit-for-purpose harbour at Ardveenish, a positive development to existing facilities and which complements recent private investment in the fishing fleet and processing sector.
The project involves creating a modified box harbour with berthing for up to seven over 10m vessels and a number of static gear vessels.
With current berthing alongside an exposed single quay face the new harbour will safeguard a vibrant local fleet essential to the long term future of fish processing and exporting from Barra.
The harbour construction is made possible through £1,250k funding from the Comhairle’s Capital Programme, £283k from the Coastal Communities Fund and £125k from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. It is anticipated that construction work will start in September with completion by August 2014.
Archie Campbell, Chair of the Sustainable Development Committee said: ‘ This represents the latest investment in major harbour development to support the local fishing industry and secure local employment and fishing activity in a sector vital to Barra and the wider economy .’
Joanna Peteranna, Senior Development Manager, Highlands and Islands Enterprise said: ‘ HIE is pleased to be supporting the community in Barra in their efforts to regenerate the island. We are delighted to contribute to this project which creates a significant opportunity to increase economic activity in the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Barra. Sustaining fragile communities is a vital part of what HIE does and this project aims to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in one of the Highlands and Islands’ most fragile areas.
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Press Release, September 3, 2013