Marina cash boost is last part of jigsaw for Corpach

Corpach Marina is to receive a cash boost from the Highland Coastal Communities Fund (HCCF) to complete the start up costs of constructing a floating marina at the entrance of the Caledonian Canal, writes Fiona Scott.

Members of Lochaber Area Committee agreed to allocate £100,000 from the area’s £450,818.12 HCCF budget.

During 2021, members deferred three applications for funding. All deferred applicants were contacted to ascertain if sufficient progress had been made to allow them to resubmit their application, Thomas Telford Corpach Marina resubmitted an application.

The funding will allow the final start-up works to be completed and the marina is expected to open to the public in time for the summer season 2022.

Chairman Andy McKenna said: ‘Last week’s decision by the local members of Highland Council is extremely welcome, providing as it does the critical funding which will allow Thomas Telford Corpach Marina (TTCM) to move forward with the third and final phase of construction.

‘The project is a testament to all involved.’

‘This latest funding news comes just months after Scottish Government awarded £400,000 towards the project.

‘Other significant funding recently agreed will allow us to commit to a contract imminently,’ added Mr McKenna.

‘Further detailed announcements will be made in the coming days.’

Interim Lochaber area committee chairman Councillor Allan Henderson also welcomed the news.

‘The Thomas Telford Corpach Marina project offers a much-needed asset to both locals and visitors,’ he said.

‘The project, which is in its final phase, has been adversely impacted by the pandemic and other global factors that have contributed to rising costs.

‘The project, which from inception has been driven by community volunteers, is a testament to all involved.

‘It was an ambitious undertaking, and at times an arduous journey, however the rewards are to be commended and the legacy of the marina can be enjoyed for many years to come.’

The expected breakdown of the final set-up costs are as follows:

Finishing/landscaping, roads, parking and walkways to a durable standard – £67,200

Lighting installations – £10,000

All car park, marina safety and building signs – £2,500

Fit-out equipment for the cafe and facilities building – £10,550

General marina kit, such as lifesaving apparatus, VHF communications – £5,200

Digital, cloud-based marina operation software and online payment gateway –£4,550 Total project costs – £100,000 The Highland Coastal Communities Fund is designed to support economic regeneration and sustainable development around coastal areas in Highland, and is derived from revenue generated by Scottish Government Crown Estate marine assets. HCCF 2022 funding will open to new applications later this year.