McLaughlin & Harvey wins £107m Port Ellen ferry terminal redevelopment

A £107m contract has been signed to redevelop the Port Ellen ferry terminal on the Isle of Islay, with construction firm McLaughlin & Harvey appointed to deliver the project.

image: McLaughlin & Harvey

The scheme, commissioned by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), will modernise harbour infrastructure and expand landside facilities to support current and future ferry operations. Works include land reclamation to create new marshalling areas, a new ferry berth, and a larger terminal building.

Construction is scheduled to begin in June, following the Fèis Ìle festival – the annual island-wide festival celebrating whisky and Islay culture – and is expected to be completed in 2029.

The project will also introduce a new linkspan, fixed ramp and shore power facilities, alongside improvements such as an extended commercial quay, longer fishing berth and upgraded traffic management systems. Sustainable measures including electric vehicle charging and cycle facilities are also planned.

In a statement, Scotland’s transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said the investment would “create new, modern terminal facilities” and “improve passenger experience and support resilient ferry operations”.

CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs said the development would provide “a new, resilient harbour for the residents and businesses of Islay” and described it as a milestone in wider plans to modernise ferry infrastructure.

CMAL said it has consulted with local residents and businesses since 2022 to help shape the design, with the upgraded terminal intended to accommodate increased passenger, vehicle and freight demand linked to new ferry capacity.