New pier opening

The new £3.1 million Walls Pier will be formally opened on Saturday by local councillor Frank Robertson.

The new pier, along with a new waiting room, store and toilets, will service the Foula ferry, as well as the local aquaculture industry. It has 154 metres of berthing space and 2,000 square metres of laydown/working area.

Despite a delay in the project due to contractual issues, the pier has been delivered within budget. It was partially-funded with the help of a £94,000 ERDF grant towards the ferry element of the development.

SIC harbour board chairwoman Andrea Manson said: “I’m extremely pleased that the Walls pier is ready for use. This hasn’t been the easiest of projects to see through to completion, but I’m more than happy that it has been delivered within the tender price.

“I’d like to particularly thank the completing contractor, Frank L Johnston (Shetland) Ltd for the work they’ve done.

“I’m confident that the new pier will be a real benefit to the communities in Foula and Walls, as well as providing an important service to the local fish and shellfish farming industry.”