Kyle of Lochalsh pontoons

crewman

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Last year we stayed overnight on pontoons at the Kyle of Lochalsh. Showers, shops and a decent chippie nearby. Planned to go again this year but no pontoons. Anyone know why?
 
From: www.lochalsh.uk/projects/services/pontoon-marina/

"Please note that the Kyle Community Pontoons are currently closed due to unexpected issues. We are working to resolve the situation and we will post an update here in due course.

We would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused. "

I havn't been up there yet this year, but they are quite exposed so possibly some damage to the anchors? Heard nothing on the grapevine.
 
We went through about a week ago, no pontoons in sight (not that we actually intended using them).

We have anchored on the Skye side previously, just enough space to drop the pin with sufficient chain to keep you off the ground and out of the main channel.
 
Not sure if it is accurate, but one gossip in Mallaig suggested they couldn’t find somebody to manage the pontoon this year?

The 5 mooring buoys in the bay to the west are managed by the same people. Anyone know if they are still there?

The visitors' buoys on the Kyleakin side mentioned in 'Welcome Anchorages' were removed 2-3 years ago.
 
Sometimes community involvement is not an improvement, it often depends on the energy of one individual who might be liable to lose interest, I suspect Highland Council were glad to get rid of the reponsibility and won't want to take it back. It was a very useful facility at a node in many cruising routes, developed about 25 years ago by a greatly repected harbourmaster who died much too young.
 
We came through Kyle to drop off crew for the train last week and intended to use the pontoons. When I spoke to the Harbourmaster, he said that there was a meeting happening this week which he hoped would resolve the matter and get the pontoons back in the water
 
Sometimes community involvement is not an improvement, it often depends on the energy of one individual who might be liable to lose interest, I suspect Highland Council were glad to get rid of the reponsibility and won't want to take it back. It was a very useful facility at a node in many cruising routes, developed about 25 years ago by a greatly repected harbourmaster who died much too young.

Yes, Johnny Ach. A good man.
 
They are always removed in winter but certainly useful if you are heading for Kylerea
Toilets are great even washing machines .
 
Went through the Kyle of Lochalsh, still no pontoons. Rather disappointing as we had intended to stop off quickly for some shopping.
 
I understand, in conversation with a local who I suppose wot knows, the Community Trust took them on and then discovered that, due to their legal status, they were not legally able to charge for the use of them.
 
I understand, in conversation with a local who I suppose wot knows, the Community Trust took them on and then discovered that, due to their legal status, they were not legally able to charge for the use of them.

I understand that they me be able to ask for donations. Not ideal but I have seen that in a few places, probably for the same reason,
Angus
 
I understand that they me be able to ask for donations. Not ideal but I have seen that in a few places, probably for the same reason,
Angus

Nothing wrong with payment by donation. The showers at Scalpay (Harris) have no fixed charge, but a notice says that donations are welcomed. It seems to work there.
 
Nothing wrong with payment by donation. The showers at Scalpay (Harris) have no fixed charge, but a notice says that donations are welcomed. It seems to work there.

Some of the reasons for donations rather than set prices , is vat and tax could be an issue , also the legality of if something goes wrong , by paying money you enter a contract, if something goes wrong they are liable , but can be circumvented by use at owners risk.
I would presume that the hassle of runnig this like a small buisness is too much.
But we all should donate the price recommended :encouragement:
 
I was through there early one morning about 3 weeks back. Could not see any obvious V pontoons! There was one unoccupied, but didn't look to be a V one.
 
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