Pictured at a meeting in the Mallaig Harbour Authority Office on Wednesday 25th January 2017 are, left to right, Chris Fisher, Fisher Associates; Charles King, Chairman of the Authority; and Neil Rutherford, Scottish Futures Trust.
The main topic of the meeting was to move forward with shaping the business case for the recently completed Mallaig Harbour Masterplan which can be viewed by clicking on the word Masterplan on the Menu above.
Sprats
In what was considered to be the best sprat fishery for several years the four local trawlers who prosecuted the fishery – Caralisa, Independence, Mareather and Rebecca Jeneen – ceased trawling mid December having landed over 2,000 tonne of sprats and 5 tonnes of herring.
Dutch Sailor
A yachtsman from the Netherlands recently contacted the Authority commenting on the shower/laundry facilities in the Marina Centre. Whilst impressed by the new facilities Mr A A M van den Brink offered some suggestions to improve said facilities which we, or course, will evaluate and implement if possible.
It is always nice to receive praise but it is equally important that we receive constructive suggestions and ideas – it helps us improve and keeps us on our toes!
So on a general note, if anyone has any issue regarding the Harbour and the services we provide you can contact me or the Harbour Master via the following email address: info@mallaigharbourauthority.com
Mr van den Brink sent on this photograph with comment “Last summer we were two times in your harbour where we enjoyed the village and also met with the sea dogs –
Robert MacMillan
CEO
01687 462154
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.
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!
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.
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.
Harbour Chairman Charlie King, Board Members and staff send Christmas & New Year greetings to all Harbour Users.
Robert MacMillan
CEO
Lord of The Isles
The LOTI is now on its winter service between Lochboisdale and Mallaig with crossing of The Minch occurring on only three days a week: Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays. However the vessel will be absent from duty from 8th November to the 27th November as she is in dock for her annual refit.
During this time there will be no replacement vessel on the Lochboisdale to Mallaig run but a Lochboisdale to Oban service will operate everyday of the week except Tuesdays and Thursdays.
From Monday 28th November 2016 (LOTI’s scheduled recommencement on the route) through to Tuesday 30th March 2017 the following timetable will operate:
Depart Arrive Dep Arrive
Lochboisdale Mallaig Mallaig Lochboisdale
Wednesday 07.15 10.45 14.00 17.40
Saturday 07.15 10.45 14.00 17.30
Sunday 07.15 10.45 13.30 17.00
At the time of writing CalMac have given no indication what the frequency of the 2017 summer service will be or what vessels will operate either on the Lochboisdale to Mallaig run or the Mallaig – Armadale route.
Masterplan
Following the consultation period, drop-in sessions and public meeting, work is progressing on the production and finalisation of the Mallaig Harbour Masterplan.
The information gathered as a result of the aforementioned consultation is currently being assessed and further discussions with CalMac have been scheduled to ensure their future ferry requirements will be met via the new Masterplan.
Marine Protected Area
I list below the Authority’s response to the consultation process re the controversial plan for the
Small Isles Marine Protected Area:
“I would like to express views on the Small Isles Marine Protected Area on behalf of the Mallaig Harbour Authority.
Whilst the Mallaig Harbour Authority supports in principle the protection of vulnerable species that are listed within the OSPAR regulations you will not be surprised to learn that we support another vulnerable species, our local fishermen, and their legitimate and continued right to fish the waters of the Minch as they have done for generations.
Fishing brought prosperity to Mallaig and despite all the restrictions that have been placed upon the industry over the past twenty- thirty years or so it continues to bring financial benefit not only to the harbour but also the whole community.
Landings of fish/prawns at Mallaig is currently in the region of £9m per annum and this impacts financially on many of the industries in Mallaig not just the Harbour!
We are also concerned about the ongoing safety to the fishermen. If precluded from a safe winter fishery by the upcoming legislation, to maintain income it is clear that the boats will have to fish elsewhere. Elsewhere being other fishing grounds more exposed to the elements.
Survival of what’s left of the local fishing industry is of paramount importance to places like Mallaig and it is therefore extremely important that cognisance is taken of the fishermen’s own wish to survive.
No one is anti the introduction of MPA’s but the implementation of an MPA must surely be one that can co exist and complement the fishing industry.”
Robert MacMillan
CEO
BPA Retiral
After 25 years at the helm of the British Ports Association Director David Whitehead OBE has opted for a September retiral and is pictured here being presented with a celebratory bottle of Mallaig Harbour Water by Mallaig Harbour Authority CEO Robert MacMillan. The occasion was a recent Scottish Ports Committee Meeting in Inverness.
David joined the port industry in 1990 as Director of Policy of the British Ports Federation and subsequently became Director of The British Ports Association. He was awarded the OBE in 2011 for services to the ports industry.
Pier Works
As can be seen on the Harbour web-site a Notice to Mariners was issued by The Authority on 24th August 2016 (it can be viewed in this edition of West Word) stating that remedial work has commenced on the fish quay landing berths by contractor Gairloch Support Services (GSS).
New piling, piling repairs and the replacement of the lower set of walings is due to take place along the length of the fish pier and will be carried out in sections in order to keep disruption to the fishing fleet to a minimum.
Replacement of the lower set of walings will involve a dive team so great care needs to be exercised by sea going harbour users throughout the term of the contract.
Contractors GSS hope to have all works completed by early December 2016.
Engineers Wallace Stone will be overseeing the construction works on behalf of the Authority.
Masterplan
Earlier this year, in March 2016 to be exact, the Authority commissioned Fisher Associates to develop a Masterplan for Mallaig Harbour the purpose of which is to provide a structured framework for the development of Mallaig Harbour over the next 10 – 15 years.
Key Harbour Stakeholders, Authority Board Members and officials, Highland Council Planning, Nevis Estate and Environmentalists etc have all been consulted so now is the opportunity for local villagers to be involved and have their say in the development process of the Masterplan.
You are therefore invited to attend the Masterplan Drop-in Sessions being held in the Mallaig & Morar Community Centre on Thursday 15th September (10.30am – 12.30pm; 2pm – 4pm; 6pm – 8pm) and Friday 16th September (10.30am – 12.30pm).
An Open/Public Meeting is also being held in the Community Centre on Friday 16th September at 2pm.
Your views/thoughts/ideas are welcomed.
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