Community / New Skeld pier open for business
A WESTSIDE village has completed the upgrade of its commercial fishing pier thanks to a considerable community effort supported by Shetland LEADER, Shetland Islands Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
In order to secure a £150,000 funding package to upgrade the wooden part of the pier, Skeld Pier Trust had to demonstrate innovation and commercial viability.
The pier is being used by three commercial fishing vessels and is an important part of community life.
The new structure, built by Lerwick engineering firm Malakoff, is 50 metres long with a 12 metre northern berthing face to accommodate small commercial vessels up 70 feet, with three metres depth at low water.
The pier also provides a yacht mast liftout for visiting and local boats. One of the new features is a marine ‘touch tank’ to be deployed in the summer months.
It is hoped that by providing these new facilities, new marine based business will be established in the nature and sport fishing sectors.
Many thanks to Dave Hammond for allowing us to embed his video of the works carried out at Skeld.
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