Frank L Johnston wins contract to build Fetlar pier and breakwater

The contract for the long-anticipated Fetlar pier and breakwater has been awarded to construction firm Frank L Johnston Shetland Ltd, it has emerged.

Mr Johnston said he was delighted to be awarded the deal, adding work on the project at Hamars Ness would commence by the end of the year once formalities had been dealt with. “We hope to be on-site by early December,” he said.

Chairman of the island’s development company, Fetlar Developments Ltd, Nic Boxall, said: “It is a very positive step forward for the island. We look forward to the project being completed.”

Chairman of Fetlar Community Council James Rendall said he was delighted the breakwater and pier were finally going to come.

“Transport links are very important to any island and by having the ferry based here it would mean the timetable could be adjusted to better meet the needs of islanders.”

North Isles Councillor and member of Fetlar Working Group Laura Baisley said she was delighted the contract has been awarded, and to a local contractor who already employs one young man from the island.

“This has been a long- awaited development which will have a significant effect on securing Fetlar’s future,” she said.

The community in Fetlar have been crying out for a new pier for several years.

The project is due to get started after being dogged by persistent delays.

One of the main obstacles came in June when problems emerged over acquiring land from a local tenant.