CalMac welcomes Oban linkspan go-ahead

Graphic version of this page | Change how these pages look

CalMac welcomes Oban linkspan go-ahead
Back

22 December 2005

Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that George Leslie Ltd Civil Engineering and Building Contractors of Barrhead, Glasgow, have been awarded the contract for the work on the first phase of the new second linkspan facility at Oban Harbour. The proposed development was the subject of a Public Local Inquiry in February 2005, and CalMac was given the go-ahead by the Minister to proceed with the work. Phase one of the contract, which will cost £1.3million, will begin on January 9, 2006, and is scheduled to be completed some time in April. The works will be supervised by Ach Henderson LLP, designers and project managers, on behalf of CalMac. Phil Preston, Operations Director, CalMac, said: “This is a significant step towards completion of our major re-development of the Oban Terminal facility and I look forward to the work beginning early in the New Year. The initial work to be done by George Leslie Ltd will involve piling and the construction of concrete decking to extend the berthing face at the second linkspan. Hopefully, the weather will be kind to the contractors, to enable the work to be concluded with minimal disruption. It was always our intention to schedule this phase of the construction in the quietest spell of the year. There will be no work done during the summer period and we will be looking towards the autumn for the next phase and will obviously move ahead as quickly as possible so that the second linkspan will be operational and all our communities can benefit. We are aware of the local users’ needs and will be meeting with them in the first weeks of the year to continue our dialogue about progress and any issues which may need to be addressed. A spokesman for George Leslie Ltd added: “Our site team is already gearing up for an early January start to this important contract, which is the latest in a steady stream of high-profile marine works undertaken by the Company. Key elements in developing our plans are to minimise any disruption or disturbance to the existing users of the pier facility, and to complete the Works both on time and within budget.” CalMac anticipates full completion of works on the second linkspan, to enable its operation in the spring of 2007. ends For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, Caledonian MacBrayne. Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk. Issued: Thursday, December 22, 2005 : 1600

Home
| Privacy Policy | Website Credits | Disclaimer |

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited (SC302282)