Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is set to begin site preparations at Tarbert Ferry Terminal (Harris) from Monday 15 June to get ready for the recommencement of the harbour upgrade project, in line with the Scottish Government’s guidance.

Work ceased on the infrastructure redevelopment project at Tarbert Ferry Terminal on 26 March after the coronavirus lockdown came into force.

CMAL is preparing to restart infrastructure projects across its harbour network, following the six-step restart plan agreed between the Scottish Government and Scotland’s construction industry.

The first two steps of the construction plan involve arranging Covid-19 related measures that need to be in place and returning to sites with a small number of personnel to prepare.

Site preparation works involve implementing physical distancing, marking of two metre distancing and installation of additional hand washing/sanitiser provisions.  These preparations will allow the sites and work areas to be ready for the subsequent steps of returning to work.

CMAL’s environmental consultants, Affric, will visit the site on 15 June and contractor, R J McLeod (RJM) Ltd will commence site preparations on 23 June.

Working closely with CMAL, contractors have put in place robust plans to ensure the safety of the island community and their staff.  A small number of personnel will stay in self-catering accommodation and their interactions with the local community will be minimal by avoiding other public places, arranging grocery deliveries to site, 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.

The move to the next step of the construction re-start plan, a “soft start” with limited personnel on site, is still subject to Scottish Government confirmation. CMAL will provide an update in due course.

John Quinn, senior civil engineer at CMAL, said:

“The upgrade of Tarbert Ferry Terminal is a major programme of work.  We’re keen to get back to work and continue progress.  However, the health and safety of our employees, partners and island communities come first.  We are strictly adhering to the government-approved guidance and construction activity will only restart when we are advised it is safe to do so.”


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