Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), which owns Tarbert Ferry Terminal and is leading the upgrade project, has said that work is continuing at the harbour, and provided reassurance to the island community that stringent COVID-19 safety measures are being adhered to.

The demolition of the old pier deck is complete, and work to install piles for the new pier is under way. The reclamation of the seabed is nearing completion, allowing the additional marshalling area to take shape. Installation of essential services, such as electricity and lighting, is also taking place, and following granting of temporary planning permission, work has begun to reinstall the EV charger in the car park opposite the Harris Hotel.

John Quinn, senior civil engineer at CMAL, said: “Work at Tarbert is progressing well, despite the occasional challenge of harsh winter weather. 

“The old pier deck has been demolished, and the reconstruction of the new pier is taking shape as we install the new supporting piles and remove the old ones.

“We’d like to thank the local community for their patience as we carry out the work, and assure them that we are adhering to the Scottish Government COVID-19 guidelines for construction to maintain the health and safety of our employees, contractors, harbour staff and the island community.

“We appreciate there may be some concern from islanders about the ongoing construction during this lockdown, however additional care is being taken to implement measures on-site, and these have been integrated into daily operations and they continue to work well.”

The revised expected completion date for the harbour redevelopment project is autumn 2021, with the new terminal building due for completion in autumn 2022 under a separate project and contract.