This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Modern day 'puffer' to take timber off the roads
06/08/2001
Timber transport is going back to the future in Argyll thanks to a pier development which was officially opened by Transport Minister Sarah Boyack today.
Backed by a £693,000 Scottish Executive Freight Facilities Grant (FFG), the Lochaline pier development will remove over 2,500 timber lorry trips and 480,000 lorry miles from Scotland's roads each year.
The pier refurbishment means Iggesund Paperboard can transport timber felled on the remote Morvern Peninsula to Corpach and Troon by sea, in a return to the days before the popularity of road haulage.
Ms Boyack said:
"Every driver knows how frustrating it is to be stuck behind a large lorry - particularly on the often narrow and windy West Highland roads. By transferring freight from road to rail or sea we can make Scotland's roads less congested which is good news for everyone.
"The modern day 'puffer' takes timber transport back to the future using vessels which are modern, faster and more energy efficient. It is a practical, effective solution to a problem which has caused road misery for too long.
"Our target is to make awards which will remove 18 million lorry miles each year from our roads by 2002 and we are now well on the way to achieving this. Freight facilities grants make a significant contribution towards promoting a more sensible, integrated use of our transport network.
"We know they can make a real difference and that's why we have committed £36 million to the scheme over the next three years, double the amount previously earmarked."
BACKGROUND
- The FFG funding was used to help refurbish Lochaline Pier and construct a private road from the forest direct to the pier, bypassing the village.
- The FFG scheme is designed to assist the development of rail and waterborne freight in Scotland. To date, the Executive has invested £23.9 million in the scheme.
- Over 400,000 tonnes of timber will be transported by sea from Lochaline Pier over the next 15 years. The environmental benefits have been valued at £1.5 million over this period in terms of road safety and clean air benefits as well as a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
- Swedish-based Iggesund Paperboard is part of a leading European forest products company, Holmen.
News Release: SE1831/2001
6 Aug 2001