![The proposed works at Fair Isle harbour will include a wider slipway and enlarged boat noust [Credit: Mott Macdonald]](/assets/news_articles/2025/03/1742458094_fair-isle-works-contract.png)
Bam Nuttall has been awarded a £31.5m contract for infrastructure works on the Fair Isle ferry scheme.
The Fair Isle ferry replacement project is a major investment by Shetland Islands Council and the UK government to secure the long-term future of the island’s community, by improving transport links to and from the island.
The infrastructure works at Fair Isle harbour will create a new wider slipway, an enlarged boat noust, and a winch house to accommodate a new wider and longer ferry. On Shetland mainland, 25 miles away, Grutness Pier will be extended with new tubular piling and a more sheltered berth will be created through a breakwater extension.
Work is starting immediately, with the Bam team landing on Fair Isle this month to begin preparations. Completion is expected in December 2025 for Grutness, and in November 2026 for Fair Isle.
Bam managing director Alan Cox said: “We feel privileged to have been chosen to deliver this vital new ferry infrastructure on Fair Isle – a truly unique location. We understand the challenges of working in remote coastal locations, and this expertise means we’ll be able to build the new infrastructure safely and sustainably so that both residents and visitors to Fair Isle can benefit from better connections.”
Shetland Islands Council leader Emma Macdonald said: “I’m pleased to see these contracts awarded so that these important works can get underway to provide a new ferry for the Fair Isle community. The ferry is a lifeline for so many aspects of life in Fair Isle and its replacement will serve the island for many years to come.”
Shetland Islands Council has agreed to provide £18.6m of funding for the project, with the UK government providing a grant of £26.8m towards the anticipated total cost of £45.4m.
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