Port Ellen upgrade contract awarded

The £107 million redevelopment will transform the harbour and surrounding landside facilities to support both current services and the next generation of Islay-class vessels.

“The upgrade works to Port Ellen will provide a new, resilient harbour for the residents and businesses of Islay,” said Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of CMAL.

“The improved facilities will enhance passenger experience and mark another milestone in our plans to modernise the Scottish ferry fleet and infrastructure.”

Plans include extensive land reclamation to expand marshalling areas for cars and commercial vehicles, alongside improved traffic management routes throughout the port.

A new ferry berth will be constructed to accommodate both existing and future vessels, incorporating dredging, fendering and mooring infrastructure. The project will also deliver a new linkspan, fixed ramp, shore power charging facilities and a larger terminal building designed to improve comfort and operational resilience.

Additional works include a longer fishing berth and a significantly extended commercial quay, increasing capacity and enabling safer, more flexible offloading operations. Sustainable transport measures such as electric vehicle charging points and cycling facilities will also be introduced.

Construction is scheduled to begin in June following the conclusion of Fèis Ìle, with completion expected in 2029.

Seamus Devlin of McLaughlin & Harvey added: “We will deliver modern, resilient infrastructure at Port Ellen that enables enhanced capacity, improved passenger experience and supports the introduction of new vessels.”