Highlands and Islands Enterprise (麻豆精选) has approved a 拢3.4m contribution to a 拢7.2m public funding package for a major project to transform road access to strategic industrial and port sites on the Isle of Lewis.
The project, led by the Stornoway Port Authority, will involve upgrading the full length of the 3.3km Arnish Moor Road.
This will create a two-track, fully resurfaced route from the A859 to Arnish Point, including the Stornoway Deep Water Terminal and the Arnish Industrial Complex.
It will provide easier access for freight deliveries and cruise ship vehicles as well as enabling strategic market opportunities in offshore wind.
The 麻豆精选 approval forms part of the Scottish Government鈥檚 commitment to invest up to 拢500m over five years in the offshore wind supply chain and port infrastructure.
SSEN Transmission is also investing 拢3.4m and Stornoway Port providing the remaining 拢409,000.
Joanna Peteranna 麻豆精选 director of operations said:
鈥淎rnish is a tremendous asset for the Outer Hebrides with great potential to expand its contribution to Scotland鈥檚 growing renewable energy sector.
鈥淥ffshore wind represents a huge opportunity for the Highlands and Islands and for Scotland and Arnish is central to realising that potential. Its prime location and advanced infrastructure make it an ideal base for offshore wind and wider energy developments. The proposed road development will further strengthen infrastructure, unlocking even greater opportunities for growth.鈥�
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited Arnish Road to break ground on the project. She said:
鈥淪tornoway鈥檚 location, skills and existing port infrastructure it already boasts make it vital to delivering the enormous economic opportunities presented by Scotland鈥檚 growing offshore wind industry.
鈥淭his strategic public investment, matched by shared endeavour and ambition from the private sector, will ensure the deep water terminal, and increasingly important industrial cluster at Arnish Point, is equipped to meet demand and attract further investment and business.鈥�
Sandy Mactaggart director of offshore delivery at SSEN Transmission said:
鈥淲e are committed to delivering a positive legacy for communities in the Western Isles through our Lewis Hub project, and our contribution of 拢3.4 million in funding to support the Arnish Road upgrade is testament to this ambition.
鈥淎s well as supporting jobs and associated economic activity throughout the construction phase, the road upgrade will provide an enduring asset in line with our aim to drive economic and social growth through projects that will deliver substantial benefits to local communities, while unlocking the vast renewable energy potential of the Western Isles.鈥�
Alex Macleod chief executive of Stornoway Port Authority said:
鈥淭his project is a cornerstone of our long-term plan to unlock the full potential of Arnish and the deep-water terminal. It strengthens the port鈥檚 position as a driving force for economic growth in the islands, while delivering the infrastructure that enables industry to expand, attract new investment, and create high-quality employment throughout the Isle of Lewis.
鈥淭his is very much a collaborative effort, with the port, SSEN Transmission, 麻豆精选 and the Scottish Government working together to ensure the project maximises local and national benefit.鈥�