The widening and extension of a Highland town’s slipway was met with delight as the Ullapool Harbour Trust’s project reached completion.
Located at the entrance to the village, the new and improved slipway in Ullapool offers enhanced facilities for local fisherman, as well as offering a hub for visitors and members of the local community to launch boats to explore Loch Broom.
The project was undertaken by Lybster-based Lochshell Engineering after the awarding of the contract in January this year. Specially designed pre-cast concrete culverts were used, designed by Wallace Stone Marine Consultants of Dingwall, with much of the gravel, rock and cement used supplied from the Ullapool Quarry.
Harbourmaster Kevin Peach said: “This was quite a challenging project for Lochshell Engineering who did a fantastic job despite weather and tidal restrictions. Ullapool Harbour’s Trustees are absolutely delighted at the outcome. We’re grateful to Highland Council for allowing us take over an asset that is locally treasured and we very much look forward to sharing it with all those who use Loch Broom for work and pleasure.”
The community owned pier was purchased from the Highland Council with assistance from the Royal Bank of Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Highland and Moray European and Maritime Fisheries Fund Programme.
Local councillor Derek MacLeod said: “I am delighted. It shows great initiative on part of the trust to have gone ahead so quickly and efficiently with the project.
“I am sure it will generate a great boom to the local fishermen and pleasure vessels.”