The Scottish Government continues to invest in the islands’ expanding infrastructure with £49 million package for new Stornoway Deep Water Terminal.

Secretary Fergus Ewing confirmed £49 million investment from a number of partners to strengthen transport links and support a range of diverse industries in the Western Isles.

The project includes a facility for berthing for cruise ships up to 360 metres long, a new deep water berth to cater for larger cargo vessels, and a freight ferry berth; berthing and unloading facilities for renewable energy components and development land for a range of uses such as industrial processes and decommissioning.

According to the officials, phase 1 of the deep-water terminal is part of the Stornoway Port Authority’s 20-year masterplan.

Stornoway Port Authority will now progress the initial stage in the tender process – the pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ.)

Following the PQQ process the tender is expected to be published late February and construction is expected to commence in late summer 2021.