Ferry News
The MV Lord of The Isles was one week late in returning from dry dock so was due to re-commence on the Lochboisdale to Mallaig winter service (3 crossings per week) on Wednesday 7th December 2016. Unfortunately bad weather meant the crossing did not take place.
The South Uist/Mallaig connection is due to continue each Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday throughout the winter. The final run of the winter schedule being on Wednesday 29th March 2017.
There will of course be no sailings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
However at time of going to press CalMac have not yet revealed the timetable or the vessels they will deploy on next summer’s Mallaig – Armadale Service.
Harbour Chairman C. King and CEO R. MacMillan questioned Humza Yousaf MSP Minister for Transport and the Islands, whilst attending a Transport Forum in Corpach organised by the Lochaber Chamber of Commerce. He was fully aware of the issues surrounding the Skye Ferry Service and admitted the situation needed to improve for 2017.
Loch Fyne
The 54 metre ferry Loch Fyne arrived at the port on Sunday 4th December for several days of trials and tests with regard to docking at the Mallaig Linkspan. The carrying capacity of the Loch Fyne is in the region of 36 vehicles!
Sprats
It’s been a most successful sprat season (so far) for the four local boats that are prosecuting the fishery with landings exceeding those of the 2015 season.
As at 30th November the Rebecca Jeneen (OB38); Caralisa (OB956); Independence (OB196); and Mareather – formerly the Aubretia – (OB503) have landed in excess of 1300 tonnes of sprats compared to 1000 tonnes for the same period last year.
Masterplan
Fisher Associates were appointed in March 2016 to develop a masterplan for Mallaig Harbour. The fundamental purpose of the masterplan is to provide a structured framework for the physical development and transformation of Mallaig Harbour over the next 20 years. It will enable Mallaig Harbour Authority to make informed decisions to meet changing markets, grow new markets, and safeguard the Harbour as an essential economic driver and community asset for future generations.
Mallaig Harbour Authority carried out a public consultation exercise in September 2016 to give residents and businesses an opportunity to find out more about the masterplan and to express their views. Following an overwhelmingly positive response, the masterplan is now being finalised, taking on board the comments and views expressed during the consultation. It is envisaged that the final masterplan will be published early in 2017.
Christmas
Harbour Chairman Charlie King, Board Members and staff send Christmas & New Year greetings to all Harbour Users.
Robert MacMillan
CEO
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