Appraising future options for Craignure ferry terminal in Mull

Craignure STAG and Outline Business Case

Craignure is the main ferry terminal in the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. It is owned and operated by Argyll and Bute Council. The infrastructure at the terminal is approaching life expiry, and Stantec, working with marine infrastructure partners, was appointed to undertake an options appraisal for the future of the terminal.

Based on an agreed vessel specification, interim and long-term proposals for a new terminal were developed and costed at a range of locations, covering all aspects of the ferry operation. This included pier and linkspan design, passenger terminal building, vehicle marshalling and traffic management, integration with bus and tourist coach services, foot-passenger access, and the overnight berthing of the vessel. The proposals were appraised using the study’s planning objectives, and the criteria set out by the guidance. We then led a programme of engagement with the public, community groups and stakeholders at a series of meeting and public exhibitions, generating a shortlist of options.

Our team was later appointed to undertake an outline business case for the interim measures, these being required to meet the needs of the service pending a long-term solution, benefitting the residents of, and visitors to Mull.