Ullapool Harbour’s £10m Shore Street promenade project scoops major national award
Ullapool Harbour garnered the prestigious Scottish Civil Engineering Best Overall Project Award 2024 at a prize-giving ceremony in Edinburgh.
Following a rigorous appraisal process, Ullapool’s Shore Street and Inner Harbour Improvements project was judged the best in competition.
Pitted against 19 other cutting-edge engineering projects ranging from flood defence schemes to full harbour upgrades, the Ullapool project won the day.
Judges commented that the project was the perfect example of a combined village and harbour regeneration initiative, driven by Ullapool Harbour Trust and supported by an engaged local community.
The concept was first mooted in 2016 and after eight years of persistence and networking, Transport Scotland agreed to fund the widening of the A893 trunk road which at 540 metres, is the shortest in Scotland’s road network.
As a result, both projects progressed simultaneously and were delivered following 310 days of construction. Despite the busy road remaining open throughout — carrying ferry, tourist and local traffic — principal contractors RJ Mcleod delivered a trouble-free project. Inland and Coastal Marina Systems manufactured and installed fifty pontoon berths to create a floating hive of activity on the village seafront.
The village now enjoys a waterfront with a heightened dry-stone sea wall, Caithness slab-covered promenade, a cycle track and wider pavements.
Kevin Peach Ullapool Harbour Trust harbourmaster and on-site project manager said: “We are delighted to accept this award on behalf of our community who immediately came on board with our vision. The formation of a volunteer steering group was instrumental in the overall design and material choice.
“Our thanks go to the designers Wallace Stone, contractors RJ Mcleod and Inland and Coastal Marine Systems. We also acknowledge our contract partners Transport Scotland and our funders Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Coastal Community Fund and Transport Scotland.
“Finally I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to the board and staff of Ullapool Harbour Trust who together with the local community persevered with the job and got on board to deliver a truly transformational addition to the village.”
