Major redevelopment works are to go ahead at an island port to create berths for ferries being built in Turkey.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has unveiled plans to modernise Islay’s Port Ellen ferry terminal as it gears up for the arrival of the next generation of vessels.
The MV Isle of Islay, which sailed to Scotland last month, is the first of three ‘Islay-class’ ferries being built at the Cemre shipyard in Yalova.
A new dedicated ferry berth, suitable for both the new ships and current vessels, will be constructed on the island. It will incorporate key marine requirements such as fendering, dredging and bollards.
The project will also deliver a new linkspan, fixed ramp, shore‑power charging facilities and a new, larger ferry terminal building to enhance passenger and staff comfort and resilience.
In addition, the harbour will benefit from a new, longer fishing berth and a substantially extended commercial quay—approximately four times longer than the existing structure—with segregated offloading areas to improve operational safety and flexibility.
CMAL has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey to carry out construction work, which will also include sustainable transport measures such as car‑charging bays and bicycle facilities, alongside upgraded lighting, CCTV and fencing.
Construction work will begin in June, following the completion of Fèis Ìle, the Islay festival, at the end of May, to ensure minimal disruption during the island’s important festival period. The project is expected to be completed in 2029.
CMAL has been consulting with Islay’s residents and businesses since 2022 to ensure the new facilities reflect the needs of local communities.
The two new vessels to serve Islay will bring additional capacity, and the redevelopment of the harbour will ensure Port Ellen is equipped to handle an increase in passengers, cars and commercial traffic, CMAL said.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I am pleased that CMAL has now awarded the contract for the complete redevelopment of Port Ellen ferry terminal.
"This £107 million project will create new, modern terminal facilities, expand marshalling areas and upgrade public and active‑travel amenities – improving passenger experience and supporting resilient ferry operations.
“Together with the delivery of two new major vessels this year and completed investments in harbour upgrades at Port Askaig, Kennacraig and Colonsay, this programme of improvements underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering a reliable and sustainable ferry service for the people and economy of Islay.”
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Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL, said: “The upgrade works to Port Ellen will provide a new, resilient harbour for the residents and businesses of Islay. This project has been in the planning stage since 2021, and we welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment of funding to allow us to progress.
"The improved facilities will enhance passenger experience and are the latest milestone in our plans to modernise the Scottish ferry fleet and infrastructure.”
Seamus Devlin, Civil Engineering Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd, said: “Working in collaboration with CMAL, we will deliver modern, resilient infrastructure at Port Ellen that allows for enhanced capacity, improved passenger experience and the introduction of the new Islay-class vessels.
"As a main civil engineering contractor, we have delivered port infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland and understand the potential this project has to unlock long-term economic opportunities for the wider Inner Hebrides.”
