Lochaline upgrade programme
Project update
3 July 2020
We are adhering strictly to the six-step restart plan agreed between the Scottish Government and the Scottish construction industry to support a gradual return to operations as the coronavirus lockdown restrictions are eased.
On 6 July 2020, our principal contractor George Leslie Limited (GLL) will return to Lochaline Ferry Terminal for two weeks to complete project works. Site set-up will include implementing physical distancing and handwashing/sanitising measures at the site.
Works will consist of additional dredging and a bathymetric survey, which allows us to confirm dredge levels, cathodic protection repairs (a protection system for marine structures to prevent seawater corrosion) including diving works, preparing the ground and laying new surfacing at the social club, carrying out repairs to existing surfacing, installation of drainage, cleaning and repainting the existing building, new building signage, new fencing at the bin store, complete site signage and installation of a bollard at the new aligning structure.
Surfacing work at the social club will take place over the weekend of 11 and 12 July. Parking will be restricted in this area for a week ahead of the surfacing work to allow for preparation. Traffic control with stop/go boards will be put in place as necessary.
We have worked closely with contractors to ensure robust plans are in place for the safety of staff and the local community. Personnel will stay in self-catering accommodation where necessary and their interactions with the local community will be minimal by avoiding other public places, engaging with Calmac terminal staff through email and telephone only, and following the appropriate guidance in the event that anyone becomes unwell during the works.
There will be no disruption to the lifeline ferry service as work will take place between scheduled services.
Project update
21 April 2020
We have made significant progress at Lochaline Ferry Terminal since December, and completed the majority of works one month ahead of schedule in late March.
Following the reopening of the slipway in December, we have completed the main concrete deck of the aligning structure and infill section, installed new lighting, vessel charging and water services on the deck, dredged the berth, completed the marshalling lanes at the new retaining wall, as well as surfacing roads leading to the new drop-off area, public, staff and disabled parking. We have also constructed a new shelter, footpaths and protective fencing.
Some minor works will be completed once the coronavirus lockdown is lifted, and we hope to have an official opening event with a ministerial guest.
Project update
2 December 2019
The slipway at Lochaline Ferry Terminal has returned to full service today (Monday 2 December) on schedule, following a planned six-week closure.
The slipway closure was a necessary element of the larger ongoing harbour project to replace the aligning structure at Lochaline Ferry Terminal, which is expected to be completed by April 2020.
During the closure, the appointed contractor George Leslie Ltd, completed the steel sheet piling element of the work, as well as installing the berthing face of the new structure and the new vessel berthing fenders. The new underwater slipway sheet piles are in place, and the toe of the slipway has been reconstructed.
The retaining wall at the marshalling area is still under construction, and lane restrictions will remain in place until January, when this part of the project is due to complete.
CMAL senior civil engineer, John Quinn said: “We have reopened the slipway at Lochaline Ferry Terminal to vehicle and passengers as planned. Our contractor, George Leslie Ltd has worked in challenging conditions to complete the sections of work that necessitated the six-week closure of the slipway.
“The aligning structure replacement works will safeguard and improve the facilities at Lochaline Ferry Terminal.
“This project is part of our ongoing programme of harbour upgrades and modifications across our network to support safe and efficient lifeline ferry services to communities around Scotland.”
CalMac’s Director of Operations, Robert Morrison said:
‘We are very pleased to be able to get the slipway back into regular service again on schedule and would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this essential upgrade work.’
Project update
7 November 2019
The six-week berth closure at Lochaline commenced on 21st October as planned. Calmac is operating a passenger only service from the Wood Pier to Fishnish.
The contractor, George Leslie Limited is progressing well on site and to programme for the berth closure works.
By Friday 1st November, the end of week two of the shutdown period, they had removed the remaining seaward sections of the old timber aligning structure, constructed 70% of the infill structure that links the new aligning structure to the existing outer dolphin, commenced sheet piling for the toe of the new slipway and the additional marshalling lane excavation, and piling for the new retaining wall is underway.
Public exhibition material
October 2019
A public drop-in session took place at Lochaline Village Hall on 3 October, and An Roth, Mull on 4 October 2019. A copy of the presentation material, containing plans, is available below. We have also created a record of the questions and answers discussed at the session, which you can also find below.
Public meetings
September 2019
Two public drop-in sessions have been arranged to update local communities on project progress and share details of alternative service arrangements during the six-week closure period from 21st October to 1st December 2019.
- Lochaline Village Hall on Wednesday 2nd October from 3.30pm – 6pm
- An Roth, Craignure on Mull on Thursday 3rd October from 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Individuals are welcome to drop-in at any time during the sessions.
Representatives of CMAL, ferry operator Calmac Ferries Limited (CFL), project manager/engineer Royal Haskoning DHV and the appointed contractor, George Leslie Limited will be available to discuss details of the work, which began in April 2019, including details of the six-week closure period and the replacement ferry service provision during this time.
Public exhibition material
June 2019
A public drop-in session took place at Lochaline Village Hall on 26th June. A copy of the presentation material, containing plans, is available below. We have also created a record of the questions and answers discussed at the session, which you can also find below.
- Lochaline drop-in session boards 26 June 2019
- Lochaline drop-in session boards (2) 26 June 2019
- Lochaline stakeholder Q&A 26th June 2019
We welcome your feedback on the content and invite you to complete a short online survey, where you can also share any questions or concerns you have about the upgrade plans. You can complete the questionnaire here
Public drop-in session
June 2019
A public drop-in session has been arranged to share details of the work at Lochaline Ferry Terminal and alternative service arrangements during a planned six-week closure period. The session will take place at:
- Lochaline Village Hall
- Wednesday 26th June, 3.30pm – 6.30pm
Individuals are welcome to drop in at any time during the session.
Representatives of Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), ferry operator Calmac Ferries Limited (CFL), project manager/engineer Royal Haskoning DHV and the appointed contractor, George Leslie Limited will be available to discuss details of the work which began in April 2019, including details of a six-week closure period from 22nd October to 1st December 2019 and the replacement ferry service provision during this time.
Public exhibition material
June 2019
A public drop-in session took place at An Roth, Isle of Mull on 11th June. A copy of the presentation material, containing plans, is available below. We have also created a record of the questions and answers discussed at the session, which you can also find below.
- Lochaline drop-in session boards June 2019
- Lochaline drop-in session boards (2) June 2019
- Lochaline stakeholder Q&A June 2019
We welcome your feedback on the content and invite you to complete a short online survey, where you can also share any questions or concerns you have about the upgrade plans. You can complete the questionnaire here
Public drop-in session
A public drop-in session has been arranged to share details of the planned work and alternative service arrangements during a planned six-week closure period from 22nd October to 1st December 2019.
Stakeholder Q&A
We have created a record of the questions and answers discussed at the public meeting held in Lochaline on 19th February. You can read the Q&A here:
Community feedback welcome
We are inviting the local community to provide us with their comments and questions on the upgrade work at Lochaline Ferry Terminal. A copy of the exhibition material from the public drop-in session is available to view online below. This contains details of the programme of works.
You can complete the questionnaire here
Public exhibition material
A public drop-in session took place at Lochaline village hall on 19th February. A copy of the presentation material, containing plans, is now available to view online:
We welcome your feedback on the content and invite you to complete a short online survey, where you can also share any questions or concerns you have about the upgrade plans. You can complete the questionnaire here
Public drop-in session
A public drop-in session has been arranged to share details of the work at Lochaline Ferry Terminal and alternative service arrangements during a planned six-week closure period. The session will take place at:
- Lochaline Village Hall
- Tuesday 19th February, 3.30pm – 6.30pm
Individuals are welcome to drop in at any time during the session.
Representatives of CMAL, ferry operator CalMac Ferries Limited (CFL), project manager/engineer Royal Haskoning DHV and the appointed contractor, George Leslie Limited will be available to discuss details of the work, which is scheduled to begin in May 2019, with a six-week closure period scheduled in October 2019.
Contractor appointed to complete upgrade work
George Leslie Limited has been appointed to carry out work at Lochaline Ferry Terminal, commencing in May 2019.
The project will include the removal of the old aligning structure and the construction of a new one, as well as improving the overnight ferry berth at the terminal. Extra marshalling space will be created, as part of works to formalise traffic flow through the port area. The project will also see the existing slipway widened and lengthened, and the berth area deepened, all of which will improve service resilience and remove the existing tidal constraint on the port.
In order to complete essential sections of the works, there will be a planned six-week closure period starting in October 2019, during which time CalMac will operate a passenger only service from another location.
Upgrade programme for Lochaline Ferry Terminal
CMAL is preparing to begin a year-long programme of work at Lochaline Ferry Terminal to replace the aligning structure, as well as creating extra marshalling space.
The works will include removal and upgrade of the aligning structure and construction of a new one. The existing structure is reaching the end of its serviceable life.
Ferry services may be subject to amendment for limited periods during construction and operator CalMac will inform passengers when details are known.