The current tenant Kenneth McLennan (Oils) Ltd had been approached by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar who expressed an interest in acquiring the lease which runs to 30 September 2024.

 The Authority in line with the tenant’s request agreed in principle to the assignation of the Lease wholly on the terms and permitted use as set out in the Lease agreement.

 It is now open to the Comhairle to apply for a change of use of the premises from an Oil Depot to that of a public car park.

 At the same meeting the Stornoway Port Authority Board decided that it was unable to consent to the partial infill of the Bayhead Estuary as the current proposal did not meet with the statutory requirements placed upon the Authority which were to improve and maintain the harbour, and do all other things which in its opinion were expedient to facilitate the proper carrying on or development of the harbour.

 The Authority also noted that a significant number of Harbour Users and Stakeholders had intimated their objections to the proposal.

 The Board also considered that a number of legal and technical difficulties existed including future use and ownership of the infilled land, altered wave impact and siltation patterns together with an increased risk of flooding in the area.