It is a case of back to the future for the refurbishment project of the Wemyss Bay Ferry Terminal has won the 2017 RICS Scotland Award for Infrastructure.

The project was carried out by by Graham + Sibbald, on behalf of Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), and comprised of the substantial refurbishment and upgrading.

The pier building which dates back to 1903, is a Grade A listed building with a wrought iron and timber clad structure with a slate roof, incorporating a continuous glazed rooflight system.

Improvements include the removal, replacement and decoration of defective timbers to the walkway bays, and restoring the walkway to incorporate the original Caledonian Railway Company colour scheme, ensuring that the pier was brought back to its former glory.

The main structural frame is constructed from an array of wrought iron trusses, which were repaired, cleaned down and redecorated. The internal fluorescent strip lighting was removed from the walkway and having studied the original pendant lighting, examples of which were still visible within the adjoining train station, a modern, equivalent was sourced to enhance the overall appearance.

Moulds were taken of the existing decorative timber bays in order to match the original ornamental timber finish. The windows were removed and matching windows reproduced, where the original timbers were beyond repair.

The building continues to be used by CalMac Ferries Limited to provide ferry services from mainland Scotland to the Isle of Bute. The client, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) aimed to find the balance between the operational needs of a modern ferry terminal and the necessity of preserving the walkway. By combining modern construction techniques with materials matching the existing features, the longevity of the building structure has been extended, ensuring that the building survives the elements whilst still retaining its historic appearance.

The main difficulties for the project were the exposed location of the site and working round the operational nature of the building, as the port continued to operate throughout the works.

Karen Jamieson, Buildings and Property Manager at CMAL said: “Graham + Sibbald were instrumental in the refurbishment of our Grade A Listed Pier Walkway at Wemyss Bay Ferry Terminal. We’re delighted to have won the Infrastructure category at the RICS Scotland Awards last week, and greatly appreciate the professional input and support from Graham + Sibbald throughout the project. We look forward to working with them again in the future.”