WORK has finished on a £1 million refurbishment of the buildings at Wemyss Bay ferry terminal — but it remains closed while improvements are made to the pier.

The project is being done by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), who own the ferry facilities used by Caledonian MacBrayne. CMAL’s director of harbours, Lorna Spencer, said they had completed a comprehensive upgrade of the terminal’s grade A listed building.

She said: “The existing timber walkway, ticket office and store facilities have all been refurbished as part of a £6 million investment to secure a safe, efficient and reliable ferry terminal and service.

“The building is over 100 years old and is a prominent structure with a slate and glass roof.

“All defective timbers were replaced on the external and internal walls, including the concealed structural timbers which form each of the 44 timber bays.

“The main structural frame of the walkway is constructed from a number of wrought iron trusses.

“All of the concealed and exposed wrought iron structure has been repaired, cleaned and re-decorated, including the columns, trusses and wrought iron lateral restraints. “All downpipes and guttering systems have been replaced, and the glazed roof lights were cleaned.” Additional work to the exterior of the terminal includes removal and subsequent reinstatement of the vehicle linkspan and demolition and re-construction of the existing 1970s load restricted pier roundhead, Ms Spencer added: “We’re delighted the work has been completed to refurbish the listed building at Wemyss Bay and restore it to its former elegance from Edwardian times in the traditional Caledonian Railway colours. The work forms part of our overall programme of harbour improvements to promote and facilitate modern harbour and ferry operations around the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service.” A temporary ferry service from Gourock to Rothesay will continue until Wemyss Bay re-opens around Easter.