Stornoway Regeneration

Stornoway Bulk Cargo Project

Oil, gas and other bulk cargo imports currently utilise Pier 2, Stornoway harbour. The Pier however, is reaching the end of its working life for current purpose. Noting the importance of these key lifeline imports to the islands, the Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership (CPP) decided to assess future import options based on the upgrading of Pier 2 or relocation of import arrangements. At the same time it was decided to also consider the related onshore storage/distribution arrangements and any wider potential development opportunities.

A Steering Group comprising Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Stornoway Port Authority, Western Isles Enterprise and Stornoway Trust was established to progress an initial study by consultants. The study (Halcrow: November 2004) identified West Harbour (along the Arnish Road) as the preferred location for future bulk goods import, indicating that:

• further detailed work be undertaken to progress to assess west harbour
• a wider socio economic and environmental assessment be made and case for funding
• work be progressed via partnership including operators.

The Comhairle, Port Authority and other group members welcomed and adopted the study findings, and agreed to establish a partnership of key local bodies, including operators, to take forward detailed work. The Comhairle, working closely with the Port Authority, Western Isles Enterprise, Communities Scotland and Stornoway Trust, has commissioned further work that provides:

• a detailed site investigation and feasibility of West Harbour, Stornoway for relocating bulk goods -especially oil/gas -import, storage and related development; including possible power station relocation
• an assessment of wider socio, economic and environmental impacts e.g. housing potential - to the area arising from the above relocation, and
• assembly of a case, including an implementation and funding strategy.

 

(Download the Executive Summary (Halcrow: November 2004) in Adobe Acrobat PDF format (52K).)