New £16.5M Pier Naming at Lerwick Harbour

The biggest expansion yet to service port users at Lerwick Harbour is officially opened today (Wednesday 12 July), following a project which is leading to further development. The £16.5 million quay will be named Mair's Pier by Shetland MSP Tavish Scott when he unveils a new sign before invited guests, including port users, stakeholders and others.

Mr Scott said: “Lerwick Port Authority has, through the decades, invested in Shetland's future. New quays, facilities and deeper, sheltered water reflect the needs of larger vessels, the ever-changing oil and gas industry and the importance of seafood to Shetland and the wider Scottish and UK economy.

“Mair's Pier is testament to the Lerwick Port Authority board and the team who make the Authority the successful, growing business it is. It is a strategic investment in Lerwick, and so much more. The Authority recognises the maritime world never stands still and ports must adapt and invest in their facilities to compete.

“Shetland is geographically fortunate - in the right place at the right time when North Sea oil was discovered and the industry is being served by the new pier. Today, fishing is the Islands’ most important industry. A new fish market providing state-of-the art facilities will complement the new pier. Cruise liners discharging thousands of people to visit what the Islands have to offer now have additional berthing.

“Mair's Pier is the latest major investment by a highly professional and go-ahead port. It will not be the last, and that approach to Shetland's future is why Lerwick will remain a top UK port.”

The largest single capital investment in the 140-year history of Lerwick Harbour Trust and its successor since 1999, Lerwick Port Authority, it is being used by the fishing industry - white fish and pelagic - and the offshore and cruise sectors.

Authority Chief Executive, Sandra Laurenson, said “Mair’s Pier is a significant addition to our infrastructure and has been well received across several sectors where it will help sustain and grow activity. It is also very much a value-added asset as a catalyst for considerable further development, including a new fish market and fishing industry hub.”

Mair’s Pier is among Lerwick harbour developments backed by Bank of Scotland whose Mid Markets relationship manager, Carolyn Martin, said: “The expansion to Lerwick Harbour will provide a significant boost to the Shetland economy. Bank of Scotland has a long-standing relationship with Lerwick Port Authority and is pleased to be supporting such an important series of projects. The development of the port is part of the Authority’s long-term strategy to reinforce Lerwick’s future and supports future jobs and growth.”

The project involved land reclamation, construction of an 804-metre deep-water L-shaped quay, and demolition of a smaller jetty and included creating a working area over 1.5 hectares for the fishing fleet and oil vessels. The outer arm creates a dock which will shelter the new market, with construction planned to start this year.

The main consultant was Arch Henderson LLP, which includes a Lerwick office, providing full design, project management and cost control, with Shetland civil and marine contractor, Tulloch Developments Limited.

Ms Laurenson acknowledged the role of the main contractors, including their innovation and risk reductions, and local subcontractors and suppliers in completing the project on budget.