By DARA BUTTERFIELD
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has formally opened the £10 million Lochboisdale harbour development creating new infrastructure to support business growth around the port.
Two causeways and two breakwaters have been completed as part of the project, a road along Rubha Bhuailt to Gasaigh Island, a new fishery pier, a slipway, pontoon berths and facilities for fishermen and leisure sailors.
The harbour also offers a commercial area providing opportunities for engineering, light industries and maritime services. The project, which could not have happened without community ownership, secured funding from a number of local and central government sources.
Huw Francis, Chief Executive, Stòras Uibhist, said: “The development at Lochboisdale has been a long held ambition for the community. Construction of this ambitious project was managed by the Stòras Uibhist team and completion of these facilities demonstrates what can be achieved by a community which controls its own land, and has access to the resources necessary to develop the island and its economy.”
Stòras Uibhist expects to attract local businesses looking to expand and new commercial tenants to Lochboisdale, which will provide employment to drive an economic revival for the area.
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