Uig Harbour will open tomorrow (Friday 22 December) following the second planned closure for phase two of the redevelopment of the Harbour site.
The planned closure commenced on 30 October to allow redevelopment works to be progressed.
During the closure, the existing linkspan and support structures were removed and replaced by a new linkspan on foundations which were constructed during phase one of the project earlier this year.
The linkspan has been commissioned and sea berthing trials successfully completed yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 20 December) and therefore the ferry services will resume Friday 22 December.
The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said:
“We are delighted that the second phase of the Uig Harbour redevelopment works of the newly commissioned linkspan, can allow the ferry services to resume from tomorrow (Friday 22 December) in time for the festive period.
“Constructing the second phase of the works in the depth of winter has been challenging and I’d like to thank the construction teams and contractors for their diligence and commitment throughout this tight project timeframe.
“Inclement Weather, including named storms and exceptionally high winds and sea trial berthing adjustments all contributed to a delay to programme.
“However, on a complex and high risk project such as this it is essential to ensure the safety of the workforce and public at all times.
Cllr Gowans added
“I’d like to extend thanks to the community and all those impacted by the disruption to services throughout this essential phase of works and hope they can enjoy the new upgraded facilities at Uig Harbour for many years to come.
“The improvement works to the car park, marshalling, approach way and harbour infrastructure continues and we ask that the public adhere to the signage and designated areas whilst visiting Uig Harbour during the remainder of the works.”
Finlay MacRae, Head of Operations for CalMac, said:
“I’m pleased to share that Highland Council has confirmed our Uig-Tarbert/Lochmaddy services can return to service from tomorrow (Friday 22 December 2023) following completion of its infrastructure works at Uig Harbour.
“The service will resume with a 0730 sailing from Lochmaddy-Uig. Our timetables are available to view on our website.
“We thank customers for their patience while this work has been ongoing and alternative services have been in place.
“The closure periods have been a testing time for our communities, businesses and customers and we thank you for your patience and support.
“Our teams at Uig, Tarbert and Lochmaddy look forward to welcoming all our customers back on board.”