ONSHORE construction works are now underway at Staffin Harbour as the ambitious community-led development enters a new phase.
Staffin Community Trust is building a new hardstanding area which will provide space for vessels to be lifted ashore for on-shore storage and maintenance and the construction of seven new sheds / business units. It will also provide space for a harbour manager’s office, toilets, parking and fuel, which will be delivered in a later phase.
The project will be delivered by SCT’s contractor G.F Job Ltd and sub-contractor Eyre Plant Hire, with the £135,000 project supported by the Marine Scotland Fund.
It is an important milestone as it is the first onshore construction works at the harbour following significant enabling works, including the upgrade of the 1-mile-long slip road and the supply of electricity to the harbour for the first time, which got underway in 2022.
The hardstanding construction will take up to 10 weeks and large plant and equipment will be on site, with rock also being hauled by HGVs to the harbour from Lealt Quarry, seven miles south.
The harbour road will not be closed to the public but access to the site will be restricted and the turning area at the slipway will be kept clear at all times, with a strict traffic management plan in place. All works vehicles will be restricted to a maximum speed of 20mph on the harbour road and signage will be in place.
SCT apologises for any inconvenience caused but the long-term benefits of the works will be for the benefit of our community.
Angus Ross, SCT director said: “This work, carried out by our contractor, GF Job, is a very significant contribution towards SCT's efforts to provide much needed services for the benefit of the community at Staffin Harbour."
G.F. Job director Adrian Johnstone said: “GF Job Limited is delighted to be supporting and carrying out the work in what is a wholly community-led project using as many local contractors as possible.”
The wider Staffin harbour development will involve the construction of a new breakwater with significantly improved berthing amenities and increased shelter for a range of vessels including fishing and aquaculture boats and pleasure/tourism crafts. There will be an improved depth of water for vessels to increase usage and support the economy. SCT is working towards securing the capital funding required to deliver the new breakwater and associated works.
In January, Lachie Gillies was appointed as the very first Staffin Harbour Manager, thanks to the support of the Scottish Land Fund, which is also backing SCT's purchase of the area.