Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Executive of £2.5m of additional funding for the Western Isles which will allow road and ferry terminal works to proceed for the Sound Of Barra ferry service.
The funding will cover the costs on both Barra and Eriskay of the upgrading of approach roads, overnight berthing facilities and waiting rooms.
Chairman of Transportation, Norman A. Macdonald, said: "This is excellent news for the Western Isles and will allow us to take the next step in the development of transport links in the islands. Combining with the Eriskay Causeway, this will be a major development in opening up new markets, decreasing social isolation and increasing visitor access. We have seen the major benefits arising from the improvements in the Sound Of Harris ferry service and the fixed links at Berneray and Scalpay and there will be similar benefits arising from this latest development. We are hopeful that there will be more good news in the near future as regards to a new ferry which will complete the Sound Of Barra Project and allow vehicular travel from the Butt to Barra."
The Comhairle's plans for improving infrastructure on both Barra and Eriskay are part of the £3.45m Sound Of Barra Project and are designed to link in with the recently completed £9.4m Eriskay Causeway and associated works.
Convener Alex MacDonald said: "This is very welcome news for the Western Isles. Not only will this be a major boost to travel links, it will benefit the economy of the islands and the construction phase will provide a much needed boost to the contracting industry. Whilst the economy in the islands has been going through hard times there have been several developments recently which are very much to be welcomed, including the start of work on the Balivanich Regeneration Project and the £1m additional money for Gaelic organisations announced last week which will help to sustain and create jobs.
I would like to thank Alasdair Morrison and Calum MacDonald for their considerable
assistance on these projects and the Comhairle looks forward to continuing to
work closely with the MP and MSP on these and other initiatives".
Ends
Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk
