Sound Of Barra Integrated Transport Project
Press Release - 12th July 2001
Cavalcade Marks Last Sailing of Eriskay Ferry
Tens of vehicles joined the procession across the new Eriskay Causeway today (Thursday) after the car ferry from South Uist made its final trip to and from the Island.
Western Isles MP Calum Macdonald and MSP Alasdair Morrison joined councillors from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and a crowd of Islanders, young and old, for a formal farewell to the ferry services after more than 20 years.
The 1.6 kilometre causeway from South Uist to Eriskay is part of the £9.4m Eriskay and Sound of Barra integrated transport project which has been under way since May last year.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar put £2 million into the project with £4.1 million coming from the Scottish Executive's transportation challenge fund and the rest from European Objective 1 (£2.8 million) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (£0.5 million).
More than 50 cars joined the official cavalcade of cars across the new roadway after a special ferry trip across the Sound of Eriskay and back for guests and local people.
CnES Transportation Committee chairman Norman A Macdonald said that progress on the causeway, and future developments planned for the ferry link across the Sound of Barra were part of long-term programme by the Comhairle which has seen a series of improvements over the last decade.
After a buffet held for guests and local people in the community centre on Eriskay, MP Calum Macdonald praised the work of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and local people in bringing about the project. "Work on this link and others in recent years is helping to bring the economy and people of the Islands closer together."
CnES Convener Alex Macdonald thanked the crew from the Council-run car ferry for their commitment over the years of the service. He also thanked the people of Eriskay for the patience over the years as the causeway project got underway. He paid tribute to the work of Calum Macdonald during his time at Scottish Office for helping with the funding for the project.
Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk