£275,000 grant means green light is given for Ulva Ferry building

A new shore facilities building for Ulva Ferry’s pontoons has been given the go-ahead following a £275,000 grant from the Scottish Land Fund.

In 2016, Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) and Ulva School Community Association (USCA) installed a pontoon at Ulva Ferry, providing safe berthing and embarkation on Mull’s north-west coast for sailors and other marine users, as well as for tourists visiting Staffa and the Treshnish Isles.

The shore facilities building will include showers, toilets, a launderette, multifunction space, including shop area, community meeting space, visitor interpretation and two bunk rooms. There will be improved car parking, three motorhome hookups and a waste disposal point.

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

Moray Finch, MICT general manager, said: ‘This latest 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 community in Ulva Ferry.’

USCA convener Josh Liddle added: ‘We see the development of shore facilities as essential for the future viability of the pontoon project. This will provide economic benefits, including sustaining and creating jobs in the community.

‘With the area becoming noticeably busier, visitors to the shore facilities will also support local businesses, including restaurants, and there is the potential for further business development. USCA is committed to work with MICT to ensure the project develops with the best interests of the community at its heart.’