This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Boyack announces ferry good news for Eigg
07/08/2001
Islanders on Eigg will be able to get the most from their new ferry after Transport Minister Sarah Boyack announced a major grant for the island's pier.
Highland Council will receive a £2,681,250 Piers and Harbours Grant from the Scottish Executive along with additional capital consent of £3,575,000 towards the cost of building a new causeway and pier at Sgeir nan Bagh on Eigg.
Currently the new Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, the MV Lochnevis, which came into service last year, cannot berth at Eigg and both passengers and freight have to be transferred to Eigg by a small flit boat.
Ms Boyack said:
"As we move into the 21 st century it is only right that islanders on Eigg can enjoy safe and modern transport links to the mainland. Our pledge to put social justice at the heart of our policies demands nothing less. The Scottish Executive is committed to rebuilding and strengthening communities and this is a great example of what we can achieve.
"The new pier at Eigg is part of a series of long-awaited improvements to berthing facilities on the Small Isles which will ensure they can reap the full benefits of the new ferry introduced on the route last year.
"These improvements will not only make a difference to islanders' everyday lives, they will also make Eigg a more attractive destination for tourists.
"I know islanders have expressed concern about the potential visual impact of the development, but I am pleased that Highland Council has been able to reassure them that everything will be done to minimise this. I am confident the new pier will bring with it great benefits for islanders and tourists alike."
Ms Boyack made the announcement on board the MV Lochnevis where she also met a group of Eigg residents to talk about the proposals.
As well as the new causeway and pier at Sgeir nan Bagh, the work also includes building a vertical wall to one side of the causeway to encourage more yachting and small boat visitors and a passenger shelter on the pier. A minibus shuttle service will take passengers and freight to the community building and tea room at Galmisdale Point.
Work is due to start on Eigg's new pier next year and it is due for completion in 2003.
BACKGROUND
- The Piers and Harbours Grant will go towards the estimated £5.5 million costs of the new causeway and pier at Sgeir nan Bagh. An application has been made for European Regional Development Fund support for the project and this, alongside the contribution from Highland Council, should complete the funding package.
- Caledonian MacBrayne's new MV Lochnevis ferry was introduced last year and, unlike its predecessor, is able to carry vehicles. Work is already underway to improve berthing facilities on Rum and Muck. Works are also planned for Canna in 2003/04 and 2004/05 to complete the overall project.
- The Lochnevis was launched by Sarah Boyack in May last year, having awarded £3.3 million in capital grants towards the £5.830 million costs.
- A Harbour Order for development at Sgeir nan Bagh was made in December 1999. The associated environmental statement noted that the proposed development did not conflict with any EC Directives. It acknowledged that there would be an environmental impact on the site but argued that that had to be assessed alongside the considerable benefits which the development would bring.
- As Harbour Authority for the island, Highland Council is proposing a 350 m causeway at Sgeir nan Bagh with a new pier, a dredged approach channel which should not require extensive maintenance dredging, new parking, storage, vehicle and freight marshalling areas and lighting/navigational aids.
- The island's existing jetty is at Galmisdale Point and Eigg residents initially wanted the new pier to be located there, around 200m from the start of the proposed causeway. However, this option would have been cost-prohibitive and would have caused substantial disruption to island life because extensive and repeat dredging would have been needed.
- The reference to capital consent relates to the fact that local authorities require the consent of Scottish Ministers to incur liabilities to meet capital expenses. The consent (under Section 94 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973) takes the form of a capital allocation.
News Release: SE1837/2001
7 Aug 2001