Highland slipways could be handed over to communities for redevelopment

Slipways: A decision will be taken by a Highland Council committee.

Two Highland slipways could be handed over to their local communities for redevelopment.

At a meeting of the Highland Council’s Fishery Harbours Management Board, members gave the go ahead for plans for the North Kessock ferry slipway and the Idrigill Jetty.

Members agreed £15,000 from the Harbours revenue budget will be spent on repairs to the North Kessock ferry slipway before the board recommends to the finance, housing and resources committee that the slipway be sold to the North Kessock Community Pier Group.

Prior to the opening of the Kessock Bridge, the slipway was used by the Kessock Ferry to transfer cars and pedestrians across the firth.

Since 1982 it has been used mainly by leisure crafts and the occasional commercial vessel. Now in a poor condition remedial works are “urgently required”.

If the board’s recommendation is approved the council will transfer ownership to the North Kessock Community Pier Group. The group plans to source grant funding to carry out a full refurbishment.

Idrigill Jetty lies on the eastern shore of Uig bay on the Isle of Skye.

The community wants to purchase the jetty and associated land with a view to enhancing the area by creating viewpoints and picnic areas as well as utilising the slipway to encourage leisure activities.

Chairman of the board, councillor Graham Phillips, said: “To secure the long-term future of these slipways, the communities have come forward with exciting plans as they are assets which can provide major benefits if managed and operated locally.

“In our programme for The Highland Council we give a strong commitment to empowering our communities so the board is very supportive of these proposals and wish both communities well in their redevelopment plans.”

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