Community group Inspire Inveraray has announced that Lochgilphead-based civil engineering firm D A MacDonald has been awarded the contract for restoring Inveraray Pier.
The group bought the pier in July using £121,374 from the Scottish Government supported Scottish Land Fund in order to bring it back into operation, providing greater access for leisure and water sports, fishing activities and further connections to surrounding towns.
“For the last few months, our civil engineering partners at MHB Consulting have been doing all of the necessary assessments and administrative works, and we will now move forward with the physical restoration and building works,” said Inspire Inveraray.
“The next steps of the Inveraray Pier Project include developing the everyday business processes of the pier, completing the building works through the winter, arranging for the grand opening, assessing the timber portion of the pier, and beginning fundraising and project management for Phase 2 of the pier project.
“Phase 2 of the Inveraray Pier Project will expand our marine access points and provide more space for people to enjoy our pier by developing leisure space, benches, and fishing access points, among other facilities.
“Phase 2 is also where we can make the most meaningful strides in providing accessible facilities at Inveraray Pier for people with additional support needs or mobility concerns.
“Phase 1 of the pier project will be completed this winter, with the pier opening in April 2024.
“While we are not fielding bookings or pier membership enquiries at this time, please continue to follow our Facebook group and website for any updates as we continue to build our booking amenities.
“If you have any specific questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Administrative Pier Project Development Officer, Michelle, at admin@inspireinveraray.scot”
The pier had previously been privately owned for 20 years and has been closed to the public for the past five years.