Stornoway Port has secured £3.5 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank towards a new linkspan — a drawbridge — for its newly constructed Deep Water Terminal.

This is the first investment in the Outer Hebrides by Scotland’s development bank.

The terminal was built to facilitate larger ships, improve connectivity and create opportunities for local economic growth in the renewable energy, transport and cruise industries.

The new linkspan will strengthen Port operations and will be a critical piece of infrastructure for the whole of Lewis and Harris.

It will enhance the capacity and resilience of existing ferry services, safeguard lifeline connectivity to the mainland for goods, passengers and supplies, and it will facilitate the potential introduction of a dedicated freight ferry to the island.

This linkspan is also key to facilitating Scottish and Southern Electricity Network’s (SSEN) Western Isles High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Project, which will run subsea cable from the port to the mainland, transporting renewable energy and improving energy security.

The Bank’s funding compliments several other development projects also underway at the port, including a £7.2 million investment to upgrade Arnish Road. The development, led by the Port, is supported by investment from SSEN Transmission and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to provide better access to industrial and port facilities.

Alex Macleod, Chief Executive at Stornoway Port, said: “The Port is grateful for the Bank’s support, which will enable us to deliver this piece of critical infrastructure. The investment reinforces the Port’s role at the heart of the Outer Hebrides, ensuring it is a place where people, businesses and communities can thrive.

“Stornoway Port is fundamental to every aspect of daily life and economic activity on the islands, so strengthening its infrastructure is not just an operational upgrade, but a long-term commitment to resilience, prosperity and connectivity of our communities.”

Laura Fidao, Investment Director, at the Bank said: “The Deep Water Terminal plays a vital role in accelerating several industries and for growing the local economy. The Bank has worked closely with the Port to understand and overcome current funding challenges due to its trust port status.

“The linkspan will open up a range of new opportunities for the Port and the community, delivering lasting economic benefits for the Outer Hebrides.”