This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New ferry terminal for Raasay
02/12/2005
A new ferry terminal to be built at Raasay will safeguard the important ferry link to Skye.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott has approved Highland Council's application for a Harbour Revision Order to allow the work to begin.
The new terminal will consist of a new slipway, ferry berthing facilities and a new breakwater. It will replace the existing facilities safeguarding the ferry service and improving the level of service.
Mr Scott said:
"Good quality ferry links are vital to our island communities. The new ferry terminal at Raasay will safeguard the link to Skye and improve the level of service provided by Caledonian MacBrayne.
"I am satisfied that, having taken account of environmental and economic considerations, Churchton Bay represents the best possible site for the new terminal."
Following an assessment of six options for a new ferry terminal, Highland Council identified Churchton Bay as the preferred option and developed a proposal to construct a new ferry terminal at that site. The facilities will consist of a new slipway and ferry berthing facilities. To provide shelter for the ferry berthing area and slipway, a breakwater extension to the berthing structure will be built.
The cost of the proposed works at Raasay could be around £7 million. The Executive would contribute 75 per cent and Highland Council the remainder.
Highland Council is the harbour authority. Under the terms of the Harbours Act 1964, the authority must apply for a Harbour Revision Order to grant them power to undertake the works necessary to provide the ferry terminal.
In view of objections received concerning the compulsory purchase provisions of the Order and issues such as environmental and safety considerations, the case was referred to public inquiry. This was held in Portree between June 21 and July 1, 2005.
Scottish Ministers endorsed the findings of the inquiry, and agreed with the Reporter's conclusion that there is no credible alternative to the proposals to site the new facilities at Churchton Bay, and that the Order should be made. The Order will be confirmed subject to certain conditions identified by the Reporter, including receipt of a binding undertaking from Highland Council to carry out mitigation measures requested by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.