Transport / Plans in for Fair Isle harbour improvements
A PLANNING application has now been submitted for the upgrade of the North Haven harbour in Fair Isle to allow a new, larger ferry to berth.
Some of the work will include replacing the existing slipway and increasing the size and height of the breakwater.
A new quay structure will also be formed as well as a linkspan, but these do not have planning requirements.
Funding for a new ferry plus harbour improvements worth around £27 million has been awarded to Shetland Islands Council by the UK Government.
A planning application for the Grutness ferry terminal in the south of Shetland’s mainland was submitted earlier this year.
The existing ferry Good Shepherd IV is not a ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) so a linkspan – effectively the bridge connecting the boat to the shore – has not been needed before.
Linkspans at both Fair Isle and Grutness will be installed.
A new vessel is being sought due to the age of the Good Shepherd IV ferry, which does not meet modern standards such as in accessibility.
A report included with the Fair Isle harbour planning submission concludes: “The proposal has been assessed from a design perspective and is not considered to compromise the designation of the National Scenic Area or have a significant adverse impact on the North Haven Crane Scheduled Monument and other built heritage assets.
“The proposal has been assessed against the six qualities of a successful place as outlined in NPF4 and is considered to meet the six criteria of being healthy, pleasant, connected, distinctive, sustainable and adaptable.
“Furthermore, the new vessel and infrastructure will be fully accessible, complying with all modern standards in terms of passenger accessibility.”
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