Tourism facilities get £275k funding boost

Tourism facilities and a community meeting space will be created at Ulva Ferry on Mull thanks to an award of £275,000 from the Scottish Land Fund.

Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) and Ulva School Community Association (USCA) will put the money toward the development of a shore facilities building at Ulva Ferry. In 2016, MICT and USCA installed a pontoon at Ulva Ferry providing safe berthing and embarkation on Mull’s stunning north-west coast for yachtsmen and other marine users, as well as for tourists visiting Staffa and the Treshnish Isles.

The shore facilities building will include showers, toilets, laundrette, multifunction space including shop, community meeting space, visitor interpretation and two bunkrooms. There will be improved parking, three motor home hook-ups and a waste disposal point.

The Scottish Land Fund award will cover most of the purchase of the site as well as revenue costs to develop the project further.

Moray Finch of MICT said: “This award from the Scottish Land Fund will help us complete the Ulva Ferry Pontoon Development, which was originally conceived after community consultations in 2011 and 2012. The shore facilities building will contribute further to economic development and regeneration of the area and, as such, it is a vital part of our work to help the local community in Ulva Ferry.”

USCA convener Josh Liddle added: “We see the development of shore facilities as essential for the viability of the pontoon project. This will provide economic benefits, including sustaining and creating jobs. Visitors to the shore facilities will also support local businesses including restaurants, and there will be potential for more business.USCA is committed to work with MICT to ensure the project develops with the best interests of the community at its heart.”