SCALPAY PIER

• Latitude: 57.8731
• Longitude: -6.70111
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in UK

Location: UK

Scalpay Pier, also known as Eilean Glas Lighthouse Pier, serves as an important maritime facility on the Isle of Scalpay, part of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, UK. While Scalpay is a relatively small island, it has a rich maritime history and its pier is utilized for various purposes ranging from local fishing to providing access for tourists and smaller commercial vessels.

Description:

Location:

• The Scalpay Pier is situated on the Isle of Scalpay, which is connected to the larger Isle of Harris by a bridge. The island is part of the Outer Hebrides archipelago in Scotland.

Functionality:

• The pier primarily serves local fishermen and small-scale commercial operations. It is vital for the transport of goods and catches to and from the island.
• The pier also supports tourism, providing docking for smaller vessels carrying visitors who come to explore the island's natural beauty and historical sites, such as the Eilean Glas Lighthouse.

Amenities:

• Basic facilities for docking and mooring.
• Some storage areas for fishing equipment and other goods.
• Limited services and amenities for touring vessels and visiting yachts.

Specifications:

Construction:

• Traditional pier design suitable for the harsh maritime conditions of the North Atlantic.
• Concrete and stone structure for durability and stability.

Dimensions:

• Length: Approximately 50 meters (164 feet).
• Width: Varies, generally around 5-8 meters (16-26 feet), providing ample space for small-scale maritime activities.

Depth:

• The draught depth typically accommodates smaller commercial and fishing vessels.
• Maximum depth around the pier can vary due to tidal changes, but generally sufficient for vessels with a draught of up to 2-3 meters (6-10 feet).

Support Infrastructure:

• Parking facilities nearby for vehicles supporting marine activities.
• Access path or road leading to Scalpay Bridge, connecting to the broader road network of the Isle of Harris.

Services:

• Limited utilities available; there may be some basic water and electricity hook-ups, but these are not guaranteed.
• No refueling stations or comprehensive marina services like those found in larger commercial piers or marinas.

Usage:

• Primarily used for local fishing fleet docking and offloading.
• Occasional use by tourist boats and recreational sailors exploring the Outer Hebrides.

Accessibility:

Access by Sea:

• Approach channels are generally clear, but mariners need to be cautious of local tidal conditions and weather patterns that can affect navigation.

Access by Land:

• Easily reachable via the Scalpay Bridge from the Isle of Harris, which is, in turn, connected by causeway and ferry services to the Scottish mainland.

Key Points of Interest Nearby:

• Eilean Glas Lighthouse: One of the oldest lighthouses in Scotland, it’s a significant historical and tourist attraction.
• Local Wildlife: Scalpay offers rich wildlife viewing opportunities, including seabirds and marine life.

Conclusions:

The Scalpay Pier is a modest but vital maritime facility playing a crucial role in the local economy and connectivity of the Isle of Scalpay. With its robust construction, it supports the local fishing industry, provides access for residents and tourists, and maintains the island’s cultural and economic linkages with the broader Scottish mainland and the Hebridean islands.