Open days on ferry terminal upgrades

A series of community events will take place in August to share proposals for port enabling works at Colonsay, Kennacraig, Port Askaig and Port Ellen ferry terminals.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is leading plans to upgrade the ferry terminals in advance of the arrival of two new Islay ferries. Works include dredging, fendering, provision for mooring aids and shore power facilities.

At the events, CMAL engineers, with representatives from Mott MacDonald, CalMac and Transport Scotland, will share details of the proposed plans for each ferry terminal, along with high level timescales, potential disruption caused by the works, and plans for continuing ferry services during construction.

The events will take place: in Jura Village Hall on Wednesday August 10 from 12-3.45pm; in the Islay Gaelic Centre / Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle on Monday August 15 from 4-7pm; in Tarbert Village Hall on Tuesday August 16 from 4-7pm; and in Colonsay Village Hall on Wednesday August 17 from 4-7pm.

For anyone who is unable to attend, proposals and presentations will be published on CMAL’s website to coincide with the events. Please visit www.cmassets.co.uk/project/islay-vessel-enabling-works.

A major terminal upgrade project is also underway at Port Ellen Ferry Terminal. The terminal development project will increase the vehicle marshalling area, increase staff and visitor parking, improve port operations for commercial use, improve passenger access to vessels, and deliver a new terminal building. An exhibition event took place at the end of June to share proposals with the community.