News

Birthday Celebrations

Over 100 people attended the 50^th birthday celebrations of the Mallaig Harbour Authority held in the Mallaig & Morar Community Centre on Friday 14^th September.  The celebration took the form of a photographic exhibition, augmented by various other memorabilia spanning the 50 year life of the Mallaig Harbour Authority, a buffet served up by the West Highland Hotel, and a look forward with plans/drawings culled from the Harbour’s Masterplan illustrating the way ahead for the next 10 – 20 years.

The Exhibition was an opportunity to look back at some of the major milestones in the life of the Authority – formed by an Act of Parliament on 24^th July 1968 – but also to look ahead with the future blueprint now in place via the recently published Masterplan.

In paying tribute to people and events of the past Chairman Charlie King stated in his welcoming address that over the years the Authority has always been forward looking, doing its best not only for the harbour but also for the village,  it’s people and environs.  This forward thinking is set to continue he stated with future plans and aspirations including new Outer Breakwater, new ferry terminal, deep water berthing, land reclamation, Local College, enlarged yachting marina, and the soon to commence passenger pontoon access all highlighted courtesy of the Harbour Masterplan.  There’s some exciting times and challenges ahead for the Authority concluded Mr King.

Instrumental in establishing the Mallaig Harbour Authority in those early days was George Gordon Jackson, the first Secretary, and William John Manson Vice-Chairman of the Authority up until his retiral in 1982 – one wonders what they would have made of it all 50 years on.

The Authority is grateful and wishes to thank all who contributed to the success of the Exhibition.

Presentation

Mr Andy Race (left) is pictured receiving his farewell gift from Harbour Chairman Mr Charlie King.  Mr Race who retired from the Board in March 2018 after 28 years of service to the Authority, was warmly thanked for his commitment, input, diligence and contribution to the Authority over the years.

Winner

Former Fishing Skipper Mr John McLean (Mallaig) was the winner of the bottle of Mallaig Harbour Water.  John came closest to correctly naming the year the following pictures were taken.  He got two of the three questions right and was one year out with the third.

Photo 1 – 1977

Photo 2 – 1996

Photo 3 – 1998

Robert MacMillan

CEO

01687 462154

info@mallaigharbourauthority.com

Invitation

The Chairman and Board Members of the Mallaig Harbour Authority cordially invite you to come along to the Mallaig & Morar Community Centre on the afternoon of Friday 14^th September to help celebrate the 50^th birthday of the Authority.

A buffet and light refreshments will be available from 12.45 with a Photographic Display created by the Mallaig Heritage Centre and The Harbour Authority and other memorabilia on show.

There will also be the chance to mingle and discuss future Harbour Board developments with Board Members – past and present – Harbour Engineers and employees.  Local businesses will also attend the occasion which is open to all members of the public.

Robert MacMillan

CEO

01687 462154

info@mallaigharbourauthority.com

Annual Report

Here are some excerpts from my Annual Report, compiled to accompany the Authority’s end of year (31^st March 2018) accounts:-

CalMac/Tourism

There is little doubt that the introduction of RET (Road Equivalent Tariff) on the west coast ferry routes continues to have a positive impact with more and more passengers and vehicles making use of the services.  This is certainly the case as far as the Port of Mallaig is concerned as can be seen via the statistical tables below:-

1^st April 2016 to 31^st March 2017                               1^st April 2017 to 31^st March 2018

Passengers       :           301,237                                   Passengers       :           343,847

Cars                 :             71,127                                   Cars                 :             82,230

Coaches           :               1,874                                   Coaches           :               2,375

Commercials   :                  744                                   Commercials   :                 851

The above figures equate to a 14% increase in passengers and a 15% increase in vehicles making use of the Mallaig Linkspan.  However the 2017 summer season was, once again, blighted by poor vessel deployment and tidal issues leading to a myriad of cancellations on the Mallaig Armadale and Mallaig Lochboisdale routes.

With 285,483 passengers conveyed over the sea to/from the Isle of Skye, the Mallaig Armadale service is CalMac’s 5^th most popular summer route and it’s also interesting to note that it comes out top of any other route when it comes to the carrying of coaches.  In 2017 coaches numbered 2337 – a 20% increase on 2016 – used the Skye Ferry Service.

Steamer Pier Surfacing Repairs

Surface defects on the Steamer Pier including ponding, drainage channel issues, and concrete erosion were all addressed via a £60,000 contract carried out by Gareloch Support Services.  Work was completed prior to the commencement of the 2018 summer season.

Yachting

The laundry, shower and toilet facility now available at the Mallaig Marina Centre, along with disabled access and baby changing amenity, continues to be appreciated by pontoon/yachting patrons who are generous in their praise of the state of the art facilities

Usage of the Marina showed an increase on the previous year as the following table illustrates:-

Overnight

Occupancy                  Short Stay                   Locals

2017                    1547                             42                               65

2016                    1482                             43                               65

2015                    1481                             29                               58

2014                    1503                             33                               56

2013                    1338                             81                               60

It should be remembered that the actual size/capacity of the Marina coupled with the seasonality of the yachting calendar really prevents any major increase in berthing uptake.

In addition to the above a further 58 vessels made use of the moorings at the Marina.

Waste Oil

Waste oil collection figures for the year to 31^st March 2018 were as follows:-

Waste Oil:                   11,640 litres

Oily Water/Sludge:     49,924 litres

The full report will shortly be available on the web-site www.mallaig-harbour.com

Board Membership

As at May 2018 the composition of the Harbour Board is as follows:-

Charles King (Chairman)

Anthony Kenning (Vice Chairman)

Gavin Davis

Michael Foxley

Allan Henderson

John MacMillan

Jim Wilson

Jacqueline Wright

Robert MacMillan

CEO

01687 462154

info@mallaigharbourauthority.com

Cruise Ships

There were three cruise ship visitations by the French owned “Le Boreal” last month, Saturday 12^th May; Thursday 24^th May, and Saturday 26^th May.

This is the third successive year that “Le Boreal” has called at the Port of Mallaig with the holidaymakers on board either being picked up or dropped off so that they can enjoy the delights of the steam train journey on the West Highland Line.

There was one further visit by a cruise ship, the 156 metre “MV Silver Cloud” operated by Silver Sea Cruises, Fort Lauderdale, anchored off the port on Friday 25^th May awaiting the embarkation of its 300 plus passengers who had enjoyed a trip on the steam train.

No other cruise ship visitations are planned for 2018.

New Vessel

Congratulations to Joe Blower and the Western Isles team on the arrival of their new passenger ferry, the 14m long “Larven”.  The “Larven” built by Powerglide in Wadebridge, Cornwall is licensed to carry 42 passengers plus 3 of a crew and it’s expected to take up service at the start of the month.

Retiral

Local fish merchant Mr Andy Race stepped down from the Authority in April of this year having served a period of twenty eight years as a Board Member of the Mallaig Harbour Authority.

Andy was duly elected onto the Board of the Authority in 1990 to represent “other harbour users” and on the 1^st June 1990 attended his first meeting!  Sitting around the table with him on that day were Michael Currie, Peter Downie, Willie Jack (all Mallaig & North West Fishermen’s Association): Charlie King and Michael Foxley (Highland Regional Council); Charlie MacGillivray and Cpt RCS Campbell (Caledonian MacBrayne); Charlie Sinclair (British Rail); and Willie Sutherland (Scottish White Fish Producers).

A presentation in honour of his 28 years with the Authority will be made to Mr Andy Race later this year!

Taking over from Andy will be Mr Jim Wilson, an ex Morar resident who now lives in Pitlochry.

Robert MacMillan

CEO

01687 462154

info@mallaigharbourauthority.com

To All Harbour Users

Water Supply disruption Monday 21^st/Tuesday 22^nd May

Due to the Authority having to comply with Scottish Water Bye-laws, a new non return water valve needs to be fitted to the Harbour water supply system.

Work to install this valve will be carried out later this month and will necessitate an overnight break in the water supply throughout the harbour area, Monday evening 21^st May to early morning Tuesday 22^nd May.

Robert MacMillan

CEO

Mallaig Harbour News: May 2018

Passenger Ferry Pontoon

Plans are well in hand for the construction of a passenger ferry pontoon/walkway in the Inner Harbour.  This will replace the existing wooden steps and make future access to the small passenger ferries much safer and much more user friendly particularly for the elderly and infirm.

With no objections raised following the advert placed in The Oban Times on Thursday 1^st March 2018, Marine Scotland has subsequently granted the Authority a licence to carry out the necessary works.

Construction is expected to commence October/November 2018.

Marina Day

In 2015 Marina Sant Carles, Spain, introduced an annual open day to attract the public, create a customer event and seek better integration with the local town and its businesses.  The event was a huge success for all concerned and was quickly adopted by the rest of the marinas in Catalonia.  In 2017 the event was adopted by the whole of Spain and is now firmly established in the annual calendar.

So why shouldn’t Mallaig Marina host its own Marina Day?  That’s exactly what we are going to do and it’s on Saturday 9^th June 2018.  Hopefully the weather will be kind and, helped by local marina users, local lifesavers and other local groups, a fun day of “street fair” type attractions with music, BBQ, boat trips etc will hopefully ensue!

Put it in your diary 11am to 4pm on Saturday 9^th June 2018!

History

As stated in previous West Words, the Mallaig Harbour Authority is 50 years old this year, and we are planning some celebratory event possibly in the Mallaig & Morar Community Centre in September for harbour stakeholders.  Once our plans are finalised they will be published in West Word and on our web-site.

My quest for photographs of the harbour and harbour related events goes on so if you do have any photographs of Mallaig Harbour covering the period 1968 to present I would be obliged if you could send them to me. (They will be returned).

Here is one taken on the 30^th May 1986 on the occasion of the opening of the Breakwater Extension to the Steamer Pier by Lord Gray of Contin, Minister of State for Agriculture and Fisheries at the Scottish Office.

Left to right:  Michael Currie, Harbour Chairman; Mgr MacInnes; G. Gordon Jackson, Former Harbour Secretary; Sir Russell Johnston MP and Lord Gray.  To mark the occasion young Roslyn Currie (7) presented Lord Gray with a night time photograph of Mallaig Harbour.  Harbour Authority Board Members and Senior Staff as at 1^st May 1986 were as follows:-

Chairman:                                                        Michael Currie

Vice-Chairman:                                              Charles King

Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd:                        Capt R C S Campbell

Charles MacGillivray

British Railways Board:                                Clive Evans

Highland Regional Council:                         Councillor T Kirkwood

Mallaig & NW Fishermens Association:    Peter McLean

William Skinner

Other Users Representative:                        Ronald C Reid

Other Vessel Users Representative:            George Alexander

Secretary:                                                          Robert MacMillan

Harbour Master:                                              Capt John Murray

Robert MacMillan

CEO

01687 462154

info@mallaigharbourauthority.com

Fire

A faulty generator appears to have been the source/cause of a fire that started within the works container belonging to the construction company Gareloch Support Services who are currently carrying out repairs to the Steamer Pier and vehicle assembly area prior to the commencement of the summer ferry service at Easter.

The fire, which occurred early evening on Monday 19^th February, was spotted by Harbour Master James McLean who quickly alerted the local Fire Brigade who dealt with the fire efficiently and effectively.

Thankfully the fire caused little damage – some GSS equipment stored within the container being affected.

Mallaig Harbour Authority wish to thank the local fire unit for their prompt response and effective handling of the situation.

Masterplan

The Mallaig Harbour Masterplan (available at www.mallaig-harbour.com) was finalised and published last year following a public consultation and represents a blueprint that is both transformational and sustainable for Mallaig Harbour and the village of Mallaig.

As a follow on from the Masterplan an Outline Business Case was commissioned to look at funding and implementation of key components of the Masterplan.  It was developed according to the Government’s Outline Business Case “Five Case Model”.  Strategic Case/Economic Case/Commercial Case/Financial Case/Management Case and although it is not yet quite 100% complete the OBC concludes that implementation of the Mallaig Harbour Masterplan is a highly worthy economic investment, with realistic potential affordability, and demonstrates that there is a high probability that it can be successfully delivered.

The Final Report of the Outline Business Case is expected to be issued within the next week or two.

Presentation

The Mallaig Harbour Authority is pleased to offer financial support to Mallaig FC who this summer will compete in the Skye and Lochalsh Football League for the very first time.  The photograph below shows one of the Club Committee Jamie MacGregor receiving a cheque from Robert MacMillan CEO of the Authority.  Also in the photograph is Harbour Master James McLean and Board Member John MacMillan.

Good luck to Mallaig FC for the upcoming season.

Robert MacMillan

CEO

01687 462154

info@mallaigharbourauthority.com

Photo Appeal

As illustrated below the Statutory Instrument establishing the Mallaig Harbour Authority was made on the 16^th May 1968 and came into operation on the 24^th July 1968.  This means that come July 2018 the Authority will celebrate its 50^th birthday.

The Authority is currently working on some form of birthday celebration and all will be revealed in the fullness of time.

In the meantime I wish to gather together/initiate a 50 year historical photographic display of the harbour and would therefore welcome photographs from anyone reading this.  I will also be putting posters up in the village and liaising with the Mallaig Heritage Centre on the display.

The Authority would love as many people as possible to be involved.  Photographs can be handed in to the Harbour Office, emailed to me or posted off to me c/o Mallaig Harbour Authority, Harbour Office, Mallaig PH41 4QB.

Robert MacMillan

CEO

01687 462154

info@mallaigharbourauthority.com

Sprats

The 2017 sprat season drew to a close on Monday 18^th December with a total of 1,400 tonnes being landed at the port by the four local trawlers who prosecuted this year’s fishery – Caralisa OB956; Independence OB196; Mareather OB503; Rebecca Jeneen OB38.

However this represents a drop of  35 % when compared to the 2016 sprat season when the same four boats landed a total of 2,140 tonnes and is indeed somewhat symptomatic of the fishing trend evident over this past year with landings of shellfish and whitefish also considerably down on 2016.  It’s certainly not been a great year for our local fishermen.

Masterplan

Sterling progress is being made on assembling the Outline Business Case of the Mallaig Harbour Masterplan with a series of meetings being held with various stakeholders in the run up to completing all documentation.

Consultants Fisher Associates plan to deliver the Final Draft of the Business Case in January 2018 with a view to it being an agenda item at the next Harbour Board Meeting on Friday 17^th January 2018

New Year Greetings

On behalf of the Chairman, Board Members and Employees may I wish all harbour users/stakeholders A Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Robert MacMillan

CEO

01687 462154

info@mallaigharbourauthority.com

New Vessel

The Buckie registered “Sparkling Star” which has been fishing in the North Minch for the past few years has recently been acquired by Skipper Allan Cameron, Acharachle.  We welcome the 18 metre trawler to Mallaig and wish Allan, who will operate through the Mallaig Fishermen’s Co-op and is a member of the Mallaig & North West Fishermen’s Association, all the best with his latest business venture!

Ferry

CalMac’s winter timetable comes into effect on Monday 23^rd October and marks the end of the daily connection between Lochboisdale and Mallaig – a service that has been extremely well used over the past six months or so.

Like last winter the “Lord of The Isles” will operate between Lochboisdale and Mallaig, departing at 7.15am each Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday with arrival at Mallaig at 10.45am.  The return leg of the journey will be departing at 14.00hrs (2pm) on Wednesday and Saturday and half an hour earlier (1.30pm) on a Sunday.

Both the Skye Ferry Service and The Small Isles Service remain unchanged from last winter.

Robert MacMillan

CEO

01687 462154

info@mallaigharbourauthority.com