First Minister's Lerwick Harbour Update

Accompanied by Lerwick Port Authority Chief Executive, Captain Calum Grains, he will tour the deep-water port today on Wednesday (20 August 2025).

Mr Swinney will see the world’s biggest backhoe dredger, Magnor, at work on the Authority’s largest project to date which will widen and deepen channels and improve berthing to the benefit of the fishing, cruise and energy sectors.

Improvements at Dales Voe are supported by the Scottish Government in an announcement made last week.

With seven cruise ships in port this week – including one today – Captain Grains will remind the First Minister of the importance of the industry to the Shetland economy and that the Authority shares Cruise Scotland members’ concern over the Scottish Government’s proposed cruise passenger levy.

Captain Grains reported a strong port performance in the first half of the year, with activity up significantly in key sectors.

Acknowledging Scottish Government financial support to date and stressing the importance of continued backing, emphasis is on the Authority’s ongoing commitment to the port’s evolution, including an Ultra-Deep-Water Quay at Dales Voe, development of opportunities to service offshore windfarms, and pursuit of net zero.

John Swinney MSPFirst Minister of Scotland

"My visit to the Lerwick Port Authority has allowed me to see some of the incredible work that’s going on at Dales Voe to create a deep-water facility that will allow so many economic opportunities to be realised for Shetland. I’ve also been able to see some of the outstanding work that’s going on to welcome cruise passengers into Lerwick — to give them a real Shetland welcome, to orientate visitors in the community, and to make sure that Shetland reaps the benefits of the cruise vessels coming into the port and the visitors contributing to the local economy. It’s been great to see this fantastic centre of economic activity that is at the heart of the Shetland economy.”