Ms Robison toured the new Stornoway deep-water terminal to mark the end of the construction phase. It has delivered a new terminal with a cruise ship berthing facility capable of accommodating vessels more than 1,000 feet long (330 metres) and a new deep-water dock for large cargo vessels, to allow the berthing and unloading of components for renewable energy and other key industry sectors.

The project – which cost £49 million in total – is being supported with £33.7m of Scottish Government funding to help boost the island’s economy. This initiative involved partnership working between the Scottish Government, Stornoway Port Authority, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the local authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Visit Scotland.

Ms Robison said: “This significant infrastructure project will help unlock Stornoway – and the wider region’s – full economic potential both as a green energy gateway and a magnet for the lucrative cruise ship market, which is expected to be worth £13 billion globally by 2031.

“The completion of construction marks the culmination of dedicated partnership working – allowing us to create a development of real value, boosting the islands’ economy as part of our efforts to deliver economic growth in every part of Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is fully committed to investing in our rural and island communities, helping them thrive – and empowering people to enjoy the unique employment opportunities and strong sense of community that life on our islands offers.”

Alex Macleod, chief executive of the Stornoway Port Authority, said: “Today is the result of four years of specialist building work to create a world-leading terminal that will transform the experience of cruise passengers to the islands. It will also allow us to further develop the opportunities we have with the offshore renewables industry.

“It has been exciting to see the collaborative approach between all our local partners, which will be essential to ensure the operational success of the terminal.

“The support we have had from the community during the build has been incredible, so this is the perfect opportunity to thank them.”

Stornoway Port Authority signed the contract with McLaughlin & Harvey for construction of the deep-water terminal in 2022. The Scottish Government is providing more than £33m in funding with an additional £10m from Highlands and Islands Enterprise