Following a competitive tendering process an Outer Hebrides firm has been awarded a £1.5 million (around $2,3 million) contract to construct a new harbour at Ardveenish, Isle of Barra.
Macinnes Brothers will develop a modified box harbour for up to seven vessels and a number of static gear vessels. With current berthing alongside an exposed single quay face the new harbour will safeguard a vibrant local fleet essential to the long term future of fish processing and exporting from Barra.
The harbour construction is made possible through £1,250k funding from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, £283k from the Coastal Communities Fund and £125k from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). It is anticipated that construction work will start this month with completion by August 2014.
Archie Campbell, Chair of the Sustainable Development Committee at CnES , said: “This represents the latest investment in major harbour development to support the local fishing industry and secure local employment and fishing activity in a sector vital to Barra and the wider economy.”
Joanna Peteranna, of HIE, said: “HIE is pleased to be supporting the community in Barra in their efforts to regenerate the island. We are delighted to contribute to this project which creates a significant opportunity to increase economic activity in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Sustaining fragile communities is a vital part of what HIE does and this project aims to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in one of the Highlands and Islands’ most fragile areas.”
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HIE, September 3, 2013