Scotland

Regenerating Lochboisdale

Impressive progress continues to be made on The Lochboisdale Harbour Regeneration project.

It was back in 2009 when Storas Ubhist and partners gained the permission, funding and design for this ambitious and impressive regeneration project to be carried out. After years of dedication and determination construction work began on Phase 1 in June, with Macinnes Bros Ltd assigned as the main contractors.

The project’s predominant focus is the instalment of a 7 metre double carriageway connecting the existing village of Lochboisdale to the small island of Gasey Island. Transport links to and from the islands are a major factor of this project, which influences commercial activity, tourism and daily life for local residents. Once work is complete the new harbour will prove extremely beneficial and valuable to the community.

Speaking to Premier Construction about the importance of this project, Katie Campbell of Storas Uibhist explained:

“This project really does mean a lot to me. It is something I have worked on passionately since 2009, securing the large funding needed to take this project forward. It is really exciting to see it all coming together. I have been very pleased with the contractors they have been great with the logistics with ensuring all planning and materials are ready. They have made a really impressive start to this development.”

As a £10 million regeneration project, the primary focus and drive behind the work are the opportunities it will provide, removing the barriers to economic activity that is in existence at the moment. New opportunities for regeneration within the village will be created, which will subsequently boost existing businesses.

The creation of a fisheries pier will provide a site with 50 berths for fishing boats and leisure sailing. Other features include the creation of two causeways with stone parapets and rock armour slopes, internal access roads within the harbour and 52 pontoons. The harbour structure consists of a 60m long quay with a water depth of -5.7m chart datum. Local wildlife will also reap the benefits with four otter crossings being produced under the carriageway.

The project has allowed for 24 residential properties alongside four industrial and commercial units. A key aspect of this development is the transfer of commercial activity to the Gasey site. Additional car parking areas and disabled parking bays are being constructed within this regeneration.

A significant amount of quarrying continues to be carried out in order to extract hard rock, moraine and sand, the key materials being sourced that are essential in this build.

Kirsty Campbell, of Storas Uibhist concluded:

“Overall the project is continuing to secure future development. We’re looking forward to a number of years of construction and to realising the real potential of this project in the area and the benefits it will provide for everyone.”

This exciting and influential project is set for completion in February 2015.

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Roma Publications