New Holmsgarth pier takes shape

CONSTRUCTION work to build the new £16.5 million Holmsgarth North pier is now well under way.

Lerwick Port Authority awarded the contract to create 800 metres of additional deep water berthing space to local civil engineering firm Tulloch Development at the end of last year.

Harbourmaster Calum Grains said: “We are now three months into the construction and progress is on time. We are looking for completion at September 2016.”

The investment comes on the back of brisk business thanks to increased oil and gas exploration activities to the west of Shetland.

The new L-shaped pier will also provide sheltered berthing and more working area for the local fishing fleet, including a new fish market.

Grains said: “This is an important time for the harbour. We see a long-term future for the fishing industry.

“This new dock will create an awful lot more working space and sheltered berthage for the whitefish fleet.

“But on the outside face of this quay we will have a 280 metre long main quay of up to 10 metres water depth, and we can use that for offshore oil and gas construction vessels which are more and more using Lerwick at the moment.”