Opening of yacht marina on island hailed

Scotland’s latest yacht marina has officially opened in the Isle of Harris to tap into the growing popularity of sailing tourism.

The new £1.3 million facility is already reaping great dividends, with Harris an essential link in the chain of emerging sailing facilities on Scotland’s west coast, allowing the yachting fraternity to explore the Hebrides on an islandhopping voyage with sheltered overnight berthing.

A study commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise revealed the sector supports 2,700 jobs and its economic value could increase

“A huge growth across Scotland in marine tourism”

by 28% to £167m if the berthing infrastructure is put in place.

Round-the-world sailor Andrew Halcrow from Shetland cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, praising the yachting hub in the neighbouring harbours of Tarbert and Scalpay while Catherine Morrison piped the guests on to the pontoons.

Kenny Macleod of Isle of Harris Marina says the sheltered pontoons are attracting a “significant increase in leisure and commercial vessels”.

Two boat charter businesses have started already and another is being set up, he said.

He said the economic and financial benefits to the Harris community are already being felt.

Rachel Mackenzie, area manager with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said the investment boosts tourism and taps into a growing industry.

“We are seeing a huge growth across Scotland in marine tourism” while the Harris facility is the “final link in the chain” of new marinas throughout the Hebrides, she added.