The Shetlands Islands’ Lerwick Harbour is to be reinvigorated by £650,000-worth of improvements.

The local boating club and harbour authority have combined to fund a new harbour wall and amenities, as well as upgrades to the youth training facilities with plans for a new boat deck.

Led by Lerwick Boating Club, the project received a £100,000 grant from the Scottish government, £50,000 from sportscotland and £10,000 from the Crown Estate.

Andrew Anderson, commodore of Lerwick Boating Club said: ‘The new boat deck will improve safety for launching and recovery of boats, especially for junior sail training.

‘This, along with the enlarged boat storage and the ability to carry out training on the boat deck, will enhance the club’s future training plans and the opportunity to attract national and international sailing competitions.

‘It also keeps sailing in the heart of the old town.’

Lerwick Port Authority will build and own the deck as part of the wider improvement programme and lease it to the club at a non-commercial rental.

The programme also includes the second phase of replacing the Small Boat Harbour’s 100 metre-plus wall, which has reached the end of its structural life after 100 years, along with doubling its walkway and introducing seating and new railings. Completion of this is scheduled for later this year.

Port authority chief executive, Sandra Laurenson, said: ‘The overall programme will bring a range of benefits, from a fit-for-purpose, replacement wall protecting the shore to improved training facilities, safety, amenities and access.

‘Rather than simply replacing the structure with a functional wall, we recognised its popularity with the public as a walk and sitting area and decided to improve its attractiveness.

‘It will also be an excellent vantage point when the Tall Ships Races return in July next year.’

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