Press Release
Fetlar Breakwater and Small Craft Facility
Shetland Islands Council have awarded a £2.65million contract to Frank L Johnston (Shetland) Ltd, for the construction of the new pier and breakwater at Hamarsness in Fetlar.
The new facilities will be provided to the west of the existing ferry terminal at Hamarsness and consists of the following parts:
- A new 230m long breakwater with rock armour protection
- A 38m long suspended pier on the inside of the breakwater with a minimum water depth at the berth of 3m below local chart datum
- A 40m long, 5m wide slipway
- A lay down and parking area to shore side of the new works.
To mark the start of the project Councillors and representatives of the Community, as well as SIC staff, will attend a ceremony to cut the first turf at Hamarsness on Thursday 13 January 2011. The works are expected to be complete by the end of 2011.
Fetlar is currently the only island in Shetland without a pier, other than the ferry terminal. The new development is seen as providing the essential infrastructure to support the development of Fetlar’s economic potential. By providing these facilities, the development will attract investment, promote business and generate economic growth within the island. It will also encourage tourism by providing a safe landing point on the island for visiting yachts and cruise ship passengers.
Councillor Josie Simpson, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee and North Isles Councillor said, "This is a very important step forward in Fetlar's development. The Fetlar Working Group and the Community has worked very hard over theyears to tacklethethings that all island communities have todeal with. Theyhave been successful in their efforts with the population growing andthey arein a good position to make the best of these facilities and grow further. This shows what can be achieved when a community has the commitment and enthusiasm to work for the future. We should be proud of this achievement."
