Transport providers praised for keeping lifeline services running in Caithness
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Transport providers have been praised for the way they have kept lifeline services running in Caithness amid the difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic
Trudy Morris, chairperson of the Caithness Transport Forum, said that despite an uncertain future there was plenty of positive news for road, rail and ferry users.
She was speaking after the latest meeting of the forum, held virtually, at which members were updated on developments relating to transport infrastructure and services in the county.
The forum heard from Scrabster Harbour Trust on its plans for the port, including the £18.5 million redevelopment of the St Ola Pier. Despite delays to construction due to Covid-19 restrictions, the trust has made good progress and has awarded the construction contract to Highland-based contractor RJ McLeod.
Members heard that the project has community benefits written into the contract and that it is expected to bring "significant economic benefit" to the area as a result of both the construction and operation of the pier.
Forum members also heard from both Pentland Ferries and Serco NorthLink Ferries about their respective passenger services across the Pentland Firth.
Pentland Ferries reported that its new vessel MV Alfred had been performing well, and gave an update on the gradual increase in passenger numbers as a result of the easing of restrictions.
Members also heard about a commercial charter for MV Pentalina, carrying plant and equipment from Gills Bay to Lyness on Hoy, and planned improvements to the marshalling area and terminal building at St Margaret's Hope on South Ronaldsay.
NorthLink outlined the efforts that have been made to ensure a safe return to travel for its passengers and staff, including new physical distancing measures, extra hand-sanitation points and additional cleaning and sanitation on board vessels and at terminals.
The company has been working closely with Scottish Government and NHS on the reintroduction of on-board services in line with the Transport Transition Plan.
There was positive news too from the ScotRail Alliance on the future of the far north railway line. Members were told that the design phase is in progress for future works, including an eagerly anticipated passing loop at Lentran, near Inverness.
The Lentran design options are due for completion by the end of the year, with the process then moving to the allocation of funding to specific projects. Although details of projects are not available at this stage, members were assured that the line would see investment in infrastructure improvements in the coming years.
Another development on the far north line is a trial service to move timber by train between Caithness and Inverness. Funded by the Scottish Government and taking place over six weeks, the trial will shift around 6000 tonnes of timber – equivalent to 250 lorry loads.
The work of the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership in enabling the trial to happen was commended to members.
Bear Scotland told the forum about its work on the trunk road network north of Inverness. Of particular note was the progress made by RJ McLeod at Berriedale Braes, with the new road alignment now in place.
Members also heard about Bear Scotland’s plans to erect new signage for the North Coast 500 route, expected to start in mid-September.
The forum was pleased to hear that additional funds have been provided by Transport Scotland for work in the region, and that Bear Scotland is proposing to use the money to carry out five additional resurfacing schemes on the A99 between Latheron and Wick.
Ms Morris said: “The challenges presented by Covid-19 have had a significant impact on transport providers in the region, and we commend the hard work that they have done to keep lifeline services running safely during this difficult time.
“While the future remains uncertain, and we are sure that there are new challenges to come, we were pleased to hear so much positive news and plans for increased investment in the region’s transport infrastructure in the coming years and months.
"As a forum, we will continue to work to bring transport operators and stakeholders together and to lobby for continued investment in and development of transport to, from and within Caithness.”
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