A Scottish Government-backed deep-water terminal which will
support future renewable energy developments and cruise ship
opportunities on the Western Isles has been officially handed
over to operators by Deputy First Minister .
Ms Robison toured the new Stornoway deep-water terminal to mark
the end of the construction phase. It has delivered a new
terminal with a cruise ship berthing facility capable of
accommodating vessels more than 1,000 feet long (330 metres) and
a new deep-water dock for large cargo vessels, to allow the
berthing and unloading of components for renewable energy and
other key industry sectors.
The project – which cost £49 million in total – is being
supported with £33.7 million of Scottish Government funding to
help boost the island's economy. This initiative involved
partnership working between the Scottish Government, Stornoway
Port Authority, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the local
authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Visit Scotland.
Ms Robison said:
“This significant infrastructure project will help unlock
Stornoway – and the wider region's – full economic potential both
as a green energy gateway and a magnet for the lucrative cruise
ship market, which is expected to be worth £13 billion globally
by 2031.
“The completion of construction marks the culmination of
dedicated partnership working – allowing us to create a
development of real value, boosting the islands' economy as part
of our efforts to deliver economic growth in every part of
Scotland.
“The Scottish Government is fully committed to investing in our
rural and island communities, helping them thrive – and
empowering people to enjoy the unique employment opportunities
and strong sense of community that life on our islands offers.”
Alex Macleod, Chief Executive of the Stornoway Port
Authority, said:
“Today is the result of four years of specialist building work to
create a world-leading terminal that will transform the
experience of cruise passengers to the islands. It will also
allow us to further develop the opportunities we have with the
offshore renewables industry.
“It has been exciting to see the collaborative approach
between all our local partners, which will be essential to ensure
the operational success of the terminal.
“The support we have had from the community during the build has
been incredible, so this is the perfect opportunity to thank
them.”
Background
Stornoway Port Authority signed the contract for construction of
the deep-water terminal in March 2022. The Scottish
Government is providing more than £33 million in funding with an
additional £10 million from Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Since 2020, the project's Advisory Board was chaired by former
Deputy First Minister, , and more recently by the
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance . The Scottish Government has
invested in and driven progress into Scotland's renewables
potential, with a pledge of up to £500 million to support the
offshore wind industry across Scotland.
