The local authority had previously warned of a delay to the delivery of works for the Lochmaddy Pier Improvement Project last month. Main contractor L&M Keating Ltd had initially suspended works at he onset of the coronavirus pandemic and did so again in July with the intention of returning to the sites at Lochmaddy and the Inchgreen Drydock on August 10.

With L&M failing to return to either site, the council’s project delivery team considered options as to how the project can continue, potentially including the termination of the contract and the re-tendering of the works.

Following this consideration, the contract with Keating has now been terminated and the Comhairle, in collaboration with Transport Scotland as key funders of the project, are exploring options for commissioning and organising delivery of the works.

In the meantime, there is a need to undertake reinstatement works at the site to ensure it is left safe and secure for the intervening period and it is planned to undertake these in the coming weeks.  In addition, it is proposed to undertake a programme of enabling works over the coming months, including completing the demolition of the former Visit Scotland and former Coastguard properties and undertaking advance utility diversion works at the site.

Cllr Uisdean Robertson, chair of the Comhairle’s transportation and infrastructure committee, said: “Whilst we recognise the financial and organisational challenges facing the Contractor, it is crucial that we continue with the delivery of the improvement works. The decision to terminate the contract was not taken lightly and we see re-engaging with the construction sector as soon as possible as the best way forward for the project.”