This is a further and significant step in the regeneration of the port and dry dock which was originally established in the mid-1970s to fabricate the Ninian Central oil & gas platform.

The development proposal involves an extension of the dry dock into adjoining land which, when completed, will allow the port to receive vessels and structures up to 250 metres in length in comparison to the current 160 metres. This will allow the port to accommodate a wider range of marine projects for decommissioning, maintenance and upgrade. Importantly, it will also enhance the port’s offering to the offshore wind sector which, through the current ScotWind leasing round, will take on a significantly enhanced role in the generation of renewable energy in Scotland.

Rock excavated from the dry dock extension will be utilised in the reclamation of an area of foreshore which will provide further land within the port to support the various industry sectors which use the port now and in the future.

Speaking after the council committee meeting, Colin Ortlepp said: “We welcome the council’s approval of this proposal which follows a period of over ten years during which Kishorn Port has invested significantly to bring the dry dock and wider port area back to life. 2020 saw three significant decommissioning and oil and gas projects use our facilities, and we believe the port will host many more projects in future as a direct result of Scotland’s energy transition.

“We’re extremely appreciative of the support we’ve had from the local community, the Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and many others in our journey to bring work back to Kishorn. More activity at Kishorn gives us the ability to create further employment opportunities within Wester Ross.”

Kishorn Port Limited is a joint venture between Corpach-based Ferguson Transport and Shipping and Aberdeen-based Leiths (Scotland) Limited.