Piers and harbours investment sails forward

Work is progressing on giving piers and harbours in Argyll and Bute a makeover as part of a £9.2 million investment by the council to support island and rural communities with marine links to the mainland and/or central belt.

 

The council has prioritised lifeline ferry services in its Marine Asset Management Plan (AMP), and piers across Argyll and Bute are being upgraded to accommodate Caledonian Maritime Asset Limited’s (CMAL) new vessels.

 

The council has already carried out shore power upgrades in Fionnphort to ensure the vessels can charge overnight, and work is now underway to do the same on Gigha.

 

Safe boarding for crew and passengers is a priority, and the council will improve access at Fionnphort, Feolin, Dunoon and Kilcreggan as part of the plan, as well as progressing plans to extend and/or strengthen Campbeltown Pier.

 

“Argyll and Bute’s unique geographic landscape means that our piers and harbours are a vital part of our local infrastructure, and provide a vital lifeline service for our island communities,” said Councillor Andrew Kain, the council’s policy lead for roads and transport.

 

“We are making a substantial financial investment to our piers and harbours as part of our plan and I look forward to seeing these plans progress.”