Ullapool pier gets makeover
Ullapool ferry pier in North West Scotland has looked the same for the past 20 years, but now has a new look after being extended to accommodate a larger ferry.
The pier was extended overnight by 35m and is ready for berthing, with all fendering, bollards and shore crew access in place.
The ferry serves the Isle of Lewis and is to be replaced by a larger vessel, 9,000 gross tonne MV Loch Seaforth.
Carried out by RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd and Wallace Stone LLP for Ullapool Harbour Trust, the transformation was made possible by the use of a floating concrete caisson. It was constructed on the River Clyde and towed to Ullapool three weeks ago and has since been rock-filled following installation.
This method proved considerably more expensive than a conventional sheet piled extension, but completely avoided any disruption to the ferry service. The cost of the disruption likely to result from the piled option was assessed, and was expected to be considerably higher than the extra cost of the caisson method.
By Rachael Doyle
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