Sound Of Barra Integrated Transport Project
Press Release - 1st March 2002
Historic Journey As Islands Brought Closer Together
From Monday (4 March) it will be possible for the first time ever to drive from the Butt Of Lewis in the north of the Western Isles to Barra in the south without leaving the comfort of your car, as the first crossing of the Sound Of Barra Vehicular Ferry service takes place.
The occasion will be marked by a historic journey for a delegation from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar including the Convener, Vice-Convener and Chairman of Transportation as they travel from Stornoway to Barra by car. Along the way they will meet with Western Isles MP Calum Macdonald and MSP Alasdair Morrison as well as Eriskay Councillor David Blaney before meeting up with local councillor for Barra, Donald Manford.
The inaugural crossing of the vehicular ferry service is the culmination of a series of transport projects undertaken by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar aimed at improving access for business and the travelling public and bringing economic and social benefits for the whole of the Islands.
Chairman of Transportation Norman A. Macdonald, said: “This is a truly historic occasion, linking our Islands in a way that has never been done before. We have been supported in what was undoubtedly an ambitious transport strategy by central government, our M.P. and M.S.P. and by the people of the Islands themselves. I am delighted that we have been able to deliver.
In the past it has not been unusual for people in Lewis never to travel to Barra and the other way around. Colleagues at sea who shared a link with the Islands, say one from the north and one from the southern isles, couldn’t travel easily to meet up. Those days are now gone.”
The Sound of Barra vehicular ferry service follows on from the introduction of the Sound Of Harris ferry service introduced in 1996 which, together with the Berneray Causeway, allowed vehicular travel from Lewis to the Uists. Last year a causeway to Eriskay was completed, opening up the route down the length of the Islands for traffic.
The Eriskay Causeway and the Sound of Barra terminals were designed and project managed in-house by the Comhairle's Technical Services Department. The in-house team have spearheaded and project managed the Western Isles infrastructure programme which also included the Sound of Harris service, the Scalpay Bridge and the Berneray Causeway, which was made possible through the Objective One programme of European funding.
Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and former Chairman of Transportation Alex MacDonald said : “This is an important day for the Western Isles. It often seemed an impossible dream to link the Islands and we faced many problems along the way. I am delighted that we have now turned the dream into reality and that all parts of the Islands have been opened up for vehicular access. This will bring great benefits, not only for local people and businesses but also visitors to the Islands who are increasingly an important part of our economy. This development of infrastructure also helps to provide the right conditions for further economic development throughout our Islands. It is particularly fitting that it is the former Eriskay ferry that will be operating on this route as it was built at the Arnish yard which it is hoped will play a key role in the economic regeneration of the Islands”
The vehicular ferry service, which is an interim measure until a larger vessel is available, will be provided by the Comhairle’s own 4-car ferry ‘Eilean Na H’Oige’ (Island Of Youth) which formerly operated on the Eriskay route. The Eilean Na H’Oige came into operation in 1980 and was constructed at the Arnish Yard outside Stornoway which has been proposed as a possible manufacturing base in connection with the development of a renewable energy industry in the Western Isles.
Further information on the story of the bridges, ferries and causeways that link the Western Isles is available at: www.cne-siar.gov.uk
Inaugural Sailing Sound Of Barra Vehicular Ferry Service - Monday 4 March
| Leave | Stornoway | 08.00 Convener, Vice Convener, N A Macdonald |
| Depart | Leverburgh | 09.40 |
| Arrive | Berneray | 11.00 |
| Meet | Daliburgh Hall | 12.15 Meet MP & MSP, D Blaney |
| Depart | Eriskay | 12.30 |
| Arrive | Arrive Ard Mhor Barra | 13.30 |
| To | Northbay Hall | 13.45 Buffet |
Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk