Lerwick Port Authority is pressing ahead with the next phase of its plans to develop a new hub for the Shetland’s fishing industry.

Preparations for a replacement fish market, costing an estimated £6m, will begin this month with work on an access road and parking for the site getting underway.

Due to be completed next year, the new market, serving the white fish and pelagic sectors, will double capacity at the UK’s second largest landings port.

The fishing sector is already making good use of the new £16.5m Holmsgarth North jetty, which was completed by Lerwick Port Authority in late-2016, with the 800-metre-plus, L-shaped jetty providing deeper berthing – ultimately 10 metres – and more working area for the fishing fleet.

The outer arm creates a dock which will shelter a new white fish market on Mair’s Quay.

Sandra Laurenson, Port Authority chief executive, said: “The completion of Holmsgarth North was another major step forward in our development programme and has been welcomed by the sector.”

The Port Authority has submitted an application for European Maritime and Fisheries Fund support for the market project.

Meanwhile, a contract has been awarded to Tulloch Developments Limited to undertake the first phase of access road and car parking, costing £800,000, to complement the fish market, with work commencing this month for completion later this year.