Hunt for architect to design £50m harbour

AN architect is being sought to design a new £50 million harbour for Stornoway that is on course to create jobs and bring a massive economic boost to the Western Isles.

Proposals include a back-up ferry pier, a berth for bigger cruise ships plus an industrial base for oil, gas and marine renewables.

Space will also be available for any future relocation of the oil terminal and storage tanks out of town, and to permit bulk cargo handling, storage and warehousing.

When operational, the development will attract more ships, promising a significant amount of extra trade to the islands.

The lack of such a sheltered berth seriously hits the cruise liner trade but a deep water quayside would attract about extra 40 cruise liners each season, bringing another 10,000 visitors to the island.

Seabed drilling tests were undertaken earlier this year. Now a designer will be taken on board to progress plans.

Construction is due to start by the end of next year to allow the new port to open in summer 2021.

Stornoway Port Authority chief executive Alex Macleod said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity that will have transformational effects on the local economy and beyond.

“While the work on the design continues, we will work with a number of agencies, including the Scottish Government, to investigate and source innovative ways to fund the project.”

Last month, the authority issued a tender for a £3.9m contract for plans to develop a new marina.