SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed the news that the contract to build a deep water terminal in Stornoway Harbour has now been awarded.

The new terminal will help serve the marine energy sector, with space for the loading and unloading of renewable energy components, as well as a potential freight ferry berth and development land which could be used for industrial processes and the decommissioning of offshore structures. According to the Stornoway Port Authority, the new terminal’s facilities will also increase the capabilities and flexibility of the Arnish fabrication yard, and allow larger cruise ships to come alongside.

The contract, worth £49m, has been awarded to Northern Irish building and civil engineering firm McLaughlin and Harvey, who are due to complete the work by the end of 2023, and the project has received significant support from the Scottish Government.

Commenting on this week’s announcement, Allan said:

“This marks another key step forward for Stornoway port’s development, which will create significant opportunities both for the town and for the Western Isles as a whole.

“I would like to commend the efforts of the Port Authority, the Scottish Government, the Stornoway Trust, and all the others involved in this project so far. I would also like to offer my congratulations to McLaughlin and Harvey on being awarded this contract, and I look forward to seeing the progress of their work in the months ahead.”