Postponement of closure of Wemyss Bay pier

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has announced that for technical reasons, the planned closure of the pier at Wemyss Bay Ferry Terminal will be postponed from March 2015 until later in the year, most likely September 2015.  The major refurbishment of the terminal building, which started in January, is on schedule and will be completed as planned.

The works encompass repairs to the pier structure, refurbishment of the linkspan, replacement of the berth fenders and dredging works. The complete closure of the pier is necessary to undertake these essential repairs, but technical issues with the new fendering system mean that the fenders will not be manufactured and delivered in time to be installed within the original closure period.   Continuing with the planned closure from March would increase the duration of the shutdown, potentially meaning that the ferry terminal would be unavailable during the busy summer holiday period.

CMAL’s Director of Harbours, Lorna Spencer said:
“We very much regret that technical difficulties have led to us having to defer the start of the refurbishment works at Wemyss Bay until later this year.  This was not a decision we took lightly and we recognise that this will have a significant local impact and be a disappointment to people, passengers and businesses in the affected communities.  We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause. The issues with the fendering system meant that there was an increased risk that, if the works were started as planned, programme delays were likely, which would mean the pier potentially being closed during the busy summer period”.

CMAL is working with its suppliers to resolve the issues and expects to have a solution in place shortly.   In the meantime, CMAL will increase the frequency of inspections of the current pier structure, linkspan and fenders.

CMAL will hold public meetings in Rothesay and Wemyss Bay later in February to update on progress and discuss the issues raised by this delay.  Details of these meetings will be published shortly.

The operator, CalMac, still plans to run the Rothesay service to Gourock Ferry Terminal when Wemyss Bay pier is closed later in the autumn and they will provide further details in due course, when the revised programme of works is agreed.

The boat step replacement and shore works projects at Gourock were delayed slightly by adverse winter weather, but are due to be complete this month.

ENDS

For further information, please contact Christina Kelly, Managing Director, Golley Slater on 0141 204 7800 / 0787 558 1955 / ckelly@golleyslater.co.uk

Notes to editors

1.    CMAL own property at piers and harbours at more than 24 locations throughout Scotland and is embarking on a programme of investment and improvements, which will create better facilities.
2.    In addition to its pier and harbour facilities, CMAL own 33 ferries, which are leased to CalMac Ferries Ltd for use on ferry services on the Clyde and Hebrides.
3.    CMAL is a publicly owned company with Scottish Ministers as the sole shareholder.
4.    For more information about CMAL visit: www.cmassets.co.uk

Wemyss Bay Q&A