This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Three new piers for Small Isles
31/08/2004
Three piers on the Small Isles were officially opened
today.
The harbour improvements on Eigg, Muck and Rum were
completed at a cost of £16.5 million.
The improvements to the harbours allow the new £8
million CalMac ferry, MV Lochnevis, to carry vehicles and
passengers to the islands. This protects these lifeline
services for islanders and increases passenger safety.
It also benefits the Small Isles' economy by allowing
the transport of cars and lorries for the first time,
boosting tourism and improving freight capacity.
Small 'flit' boats were previously used to transfer
passengers and some goods between the old piers. This
outdated approach was considered dangerous by the Maritime
Coastguard Agency.
While visiting Eigg and Muck, Transport Minister Nicol
Stephen said:
"This is a very major commitment to the future of these
important islands. Today is a great day of celebration for
people in Eigg, Muck and Rum. Islanders played a key role
in campaigning for and designing these new facilities.
"Investment in transport links is one of the key ways we
can increase prosperity on the Small Isles. We must do all
we can to support island life and encourage more young
people to stay. As with the community buy-out on Eigg, this
is a shining example of islanders and government working
together to build a brighter future.
"The Scottish Executive is committed to improving
lifeline services throughout the Highlands and Islands. As
well as a great success for islanders, today marks another
achievement for devolution in Scotland."
The Executive provided £7.9 million towards the harbour
improvements, with £4.2 million from European structural
funding, £3.9 million from Highland Council and £530,000
from Scottish Natural Heritage.
Services to the new piers using the MV Lochnevis began
earlier this summer. This is the only CalMac service which
sails to all the Small Isles - Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna -
from Mallaig. The Executive is also committed to major
improvements at Canna and is investing £3.7m towards the
new Inverie Pier at Knoydart, work on which began in
July.
Rum in early 2000 and was completed at the end of 2003.
The costs and funders of the schemes were:
- Eigg - £7.8 million, with £4.1
million from the Scottish Executive, £2.3 million from
European Regional Development Funding and £1.4 million
from Highland Council.
- Muck and Rum - £8.7 million joint
project (£4.5 million for Muck and £4.2 million for
Rum), with £3.8 million from the Scottish Executive,
£2.5 million from Highland Council, £1.9 million from
European Regional Development Funding and £0.5 million
from Scottish Natural Heritage.
The new pier structure at Eigg has received two
nominations for the Saltire Award. Highland Council has
been nominated for the Best Project award and R.J. MacLeod
has been nominated for the Best Construction award. The
winners will be announced on October 27.