A Fort William cruise boat operator yesterday said the condition of the Lochaber town’s pier would not affect his business, which is a major tourist attraction in the area.
However, Finlay Finlayson, who operates Crannog Cruises and owns Crannog Restaurant, said it was a shame the world-famous Waverley paddle steamer – which also attracts hundreds of tourists to the town – would not be able to visit this year.
Mr Finlayson’s comments came after Highland Council told paddle steamer operator, Waverley Excursions, that the ship, which has visited Fort William for around 30 years, could not use the Town Pier because its wooden fenders had “become dilapidated”.
He said: “There is no danger of the pier closing.
“We are fully abreast of the situation with the pier and are working with Highland Council.
“It is an old pier and it is only sensible to stop ships that are heavier than 100 tonnes using it until the work has been done.
“Souter’s Lass is 65 tonnes so it is still fine for us.”
He added that Highland Council had been quick to repair any damage to the pier caused by storms.
Drew Purdon, who is a member of Fort William Community Council and runs The House Of Clan Jamfrie clothes and gifts shop and art gallery in the town’s High Street, previously accused the council of “shamefully neglecting” the pier for many years.
A Highland Council spokeswoman confirmed that the wooden fenders at the Town Pier had “become dilapidated” and required replacement or repair.
She said: “The council endeavours to maintain all its facilities within the available budget.”