An island pier has been left in need of a £23million upgrade – because the new ferry is too big.
Transport Scotland is building a 335ft long ferry for the Western Isles route that is scheduled to begin operating in late 2018.
Highland planning committee members have been informed that the new vessel will be “substantially larger” than the existing ferry – necessitating the upgrade at Uig on Skye.
The council’s head of infrastructure Colin Howell said: “We, at officer level, are working closely with Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) and Caledonian Marine Assets Ltd (CMAL) and also the Western Isles to review the existing ferry terminal in terms of its capacity and also look at what modifications to the ferry terminal may be appropriate.
“Those discussions are ongoing in terms of both the scale and the alterations that we need and also when we might deliver those elements of the improvement.
“We’re very mindful that the next (post election) committee for the allocation of capital funding will be for the new administration, which will probably be in August.”
The committee approved the next stage of a programme permitting Balfour Beatty to carry out the pier construction work.
Skye and Raasay councillor Ian Renwick welcomed the upgrade.
The council’s current capital programme commitment includes £1million for works to Uig linkspan in 2018-19.
Detailed discussions are ongoing between the council, Western Isles Council and CMAL to identify the works necessary to each terminal and about the funding and phasing.
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “While the council will pay for the construction of the new facilities we will recoup the costs through harbour dues from Transport Scotland over an agreed timescale.
“The current estimate for the project is £23million which also includes improvements to the passenger facilities and marshalling arrangements. We are aiming to deliver it in time for the arrival of the new vessel.”
