With the exceptional May and June weather, visiting boat numbers to the Ulva Ferry pontoon have increased during this period. Feedback from yachtsmen and others has been very positive, the wonderful location and the fantastic restaurants nearby – the Boathouse Ulva and Ballygown. Some visitors hire Ulva Ferry community transport – usually the electric car, to explore the wider area and visit local businesses. It is, however, clear from survey comments from boat crews that pontoon shore facilities are required to attract further boats to the area, provide wider economic benefits and sustain the pontoon.

The feasibility study into acquiring a site to develop a shore facilities building and amenities through a Scottish Land Fund application process has continued over the past year with widespread community consultation, surveys and site appraisals.

Research undertaken by business consultants Community Enterprise have shown wide support for the project within the local community, with proposed facilities aimed to be beneficial to the local residents – as well as visitors to the area, securing and increasing jobs and provide economic benefit locally.

Masterplanning work has been undertaken by local architects Thorne Wyness, and as a result of extensive appraisals of 4 different sites, working with USCA, the local community group, and the landowners, the site nearest to the pontoon head has been identified as the most suitable to accommodate the shore facilities and to complement existing commercial activities and future growth of the area.

Work continues to submit the stage 2 application of the Scottish Land Fund in August, and identify capital funding for development.