New £49 million Deep Water Terminal will boost Stornoway cruise industry and local economy

David has been working with his client partner Stornoway Port Authority since 2017 and is delighted at this announcement which opens up cruise tourism to the region

Stornoway Port Authority has welcomed a £49 million investment in a new Deep Water Terminal which will bring larger cruise ships to the Outer Hebrides.

The new facility will open up a gateway to the Outer Hebrides, providing a major boost to the local economy as more tourists than ever before are offered the opportunity to visit the region. Lewis and Harris are famed for Harris Tweed, the 5,000-year-old Callanish Stones, the Lewis Chessmen, Blackhouse villages, and are also home to some of the most picturesque beaches on the planet.

The Deep Water Terminal is set to be operational from May 2023, and will encourage cruise lines who have long held ambitions to get vessels alongside in the Outer Hebrides.

The terminal will be able to accommodate vessels up to 360m in length, and will be the only deep water berth on the west coast of Scotland, north of Greenock. Stornoway is a perfect location for UK itineraries, being an overnight sail to/from Kirkwall/Invergordon/Belfast/Glasgow. Stornoway is also an ideal stopping point for Iceland and Faroe Islands itineraries.

Alex MacLeod, Chief Executive of Stornoway Port Authority, said: “We are extremely pleased to announce this major investment in the Port’s cruise infrastructure, which will deliver a wealth of opportunities to both our community and the cruise industry.

“This significant project will allow Stornoway to welcome the world, as our epic landscape, living Gaelic culture, history with mystery, and limitless landmarks, provides the perfect offering for cruise lines and tourists alike as they seek to explore Scotland and beyond.

“This project will bring transformative change to the entire region, most notably to the local economy, and it gives us immense excitement to see the collaborative approach between all the local partners which will be essential to ensure the operational success of the terminal..

“Our own announcement comes just three weeks after the confirmation of Southampton’s new fifth terminal, which will greatly enhance the cruise itineraries and volume of ships coming from Southampton and neighbouring ports.”