Leasachadh Port-aiseig Phort Ilein

A project to increase the vehicle marshalling area, increase staff and visitor parking, improve port operations for commercial use, improve passenger access to vessels, and explore the location and size of an area for a proposed new terminal building.

Green light for outline project business case

7 December 2021

We are progressing detailed plans for significant investment and upgrade at Port Ellen Ferry Terminal after Transport Scotland approved the findings of a strategic planning study.

Our study identified space constraints at the terminal, including the vehicle marshalling area and terminal building, as well as opportunities to improve port operations and passenger access to and from vessels.  As part of the study, we developed a range of high-level options to address these matters.

Mott MacDonald has been appointed to work with us to develop the outline business case with costs, an assessment of a range of solutions, and a recommend preferred option.  Topographical, bathymetric, geophysical and wave monitoring surveys to inform the next-level business case will be conducted from December 2021.

Engagement with the community is scheduled to take place in spring 2022 to support the development of proposals.  More information will be published here in due course.

First project reference group meeting

7 December 2021

A project reference group has been appointed to represent the views of the community, including ferry users, marina users, the fishing community and commercial users.

The first reference group meeting was held on Wednesday 1 December 2021.

Engagement with the wider community, through virtual or in-person events and meetings (depending on COVID-19 guidance), is scheduled for spring 2022.