Island of Kerrera to get £1.7m ferry berth upgrade

THE ferry berth on a tiny Scottish island is to receive a £1.7 million upgrade to help local people and boost visitor numbers.

Gylen Castle on the tiny Hebridean island of Kerrera. Picture: Wiki Commons

The island of Kerrera, near Oban, has a population of less than 50 people and is about four miles long and one mile wide.

It has a castle ruin dating back almost 500 years and is home to a range of wildlife.

The Scottish Government has announced that £1.7 million will be invested in the construction of a new breakwater and the extension of the slipway at the island’s ferry berth.

It is hoped the improvements will make the ferry timetable more reliable during bad weather.

The project also includes an extension to the Gallanach slipway at the mainland end of the crossing.

Minister for Transport and Islands Derek Mackay made the announcement before a meeting of the Convention of the Highlands and Islands.

He said: “I’m delighted to announce this improvement programme for Kerrera, which will bring real benefits to the community that depend on the ferry service.

“By building a new breakwater and extending the slipways, we will improve ferry resilience and lessen the impact of poor weather conditions.

“It will also mean that current tidal restrictions on vehicle-carrying services will be lifted, allowing a better flow of vessels between the two ends of the route.

“This investment is further proof of the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing the best possible ferry services for the communities that rely on them and ensuring that our islands remain an attractive and accessible destination for visitors.”

The work, which is due to start in January, is to carried out by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), and will be completed by summer 2016.

Project manager Ruairidh Campbell said: “CMAL is delighted to be managing the delivery of this marine investment on Kerrera as part of our ongoing commitment to develop and maintain our port and harbour infrastructure.

“We are looking forward to working with the contractor and strengthening our relationship with the ferry operator and local community.”