McLaughlin & Harvey has been awarded the contract to design and install a new floating linkspan at Stornoway Port's recently completed deep-water terminal.

The Northern Irish construction and civil engineering firm, which finished the initial terminal construction in 2024, will now deliver this critical piece of infrastructure to facilitate both heavy cargo deliveries and a daily freight service between Stornoway and Ullapool.

The project marks the first delivery agreement for McLaughlin & Harvey under the SCAPE Utilities Works and Services Framework, an arrangement designed to streamline civil engineering programmes for utility and infrastructure organisations. The work will build upon a bankseat previously installed by the firm, with on-site activity scheduled to commence in mid-February. Initial works will include piling and concrete construction to support the new linkspan.

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In addition to the linkspan works, the contractor has also been appointed to conduct marine site investigation works for the Deep Water South project. This represents the next phase of the port's expansion, specifically targeting the infrastructure required to support the renewable energy sector and Scotland's green energy transition.

Alex Macleod, Chief Executive Stornoway Port Authority, said: "We're pleased to be continuing our strong working relationship with McLaughlin & Harvey through the delivery of our new linkspan at Stornoway Port. Following the successful completion of the Deep Water Terminal in 2024, this appointment reflects a shared understanding of the Port's long-term ambitions and a proven ability to deliver complex marine infrastructure. We look forward to working closely together as this next phase of development gets underway."

Kevin Bell, Senior Contracts Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, added: "We're pleased to once again be back in Stornoway, building on the successful delivery of the Deep Water Terminal. We're working collaboratively with the Client to support their expansion goals and bolster the infrastructure at this vital port."

Gary Meechan, Operations Director at SCAPE, commented: "We're delighted to have Stornoway Port use our Utilities Framework to continue its collaborative relationship with McLaughlin & Harvey for project delivery. This demonstrates both SCAPE and our delivery partners' commitment to delivering solutions for projects across Scotland."

The Stornoway Deep Water Terminal is a significant regional asset, capable of accommodating vessels exceeding 1,000 feet (330m), including large cruise ships and cargo vessels carrying components for the renewables industry.