By
Laura Hyde |
Scotland’s minister for transport Fiona Hyslop officially opened a new £22.5 million ($27.5 million) ferry terminal at the Port of Tarbert on the island of Harris in the Outer Hebrides on 9 October 2023.
Hyslop unveiled a plaque at the front of the new terminal building during the short ceremony.
“I’m really pleased to have been able to visit and formally open these upgraded facilities at Tarbert Ferry Terminal,” she said. “I can already see that the new terminal building is popular with passengers and staff, and the new marine infrastructure is bringing benefits through increased marshalling areas and enhanced berthing facilities that will allow larger vessels to dock.”
The Tarbert ferry terminal project, led by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), was completed earlier this year as part of a harbour redevelopment which has created a new pier, a fendering system and a larger marshalling area for passengers.
“The terminal is now a much more comfortable place for passengers awaiting the ferry, and Tarbert Harbour is well prepared for the new ferry due to arrive in 2025,” said Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of CMAL.
The terminal project was completed in partnership with principal contractor RJ McLeod and ferry operator CalMac Ferries.
“CMAL is delivering significant vessel and harbour investment, backed by a £700 million ($858.5 million) commitment from the Scottish Government for a five-year period from 2021 to 2026,” said Robbie Drummond, chief executive of CalMac. “Plans are underway to deliver 21 new vessels for the fleet and multimillion-pound upgrade of harbour infrastructure over the next 10 years.”