THE sharp-eyed will recently have spotted the metalwork going up for a new building under the Kessock Bridge, just across the Beauly Firth from Carnarc Point (X marks the spot). It is the new station for the North Kessock Lifeboat and is due for completion by July.
The building, which replaces the old pier at North Kessock, is custom-built for their new, bigger and faster lifeboat. Said Inverness harbourmaster Capt Macleod, “At present North Kessock has a D-Class boat, but the new one is an Atlantic 21 RIB.”

The Harbour Trust sold the west bank to Gael Force Marine a couple of years ago to allow the company to build a major marine centre, although they retain the Carnarc Point and some other parts.
The Trust is itself involved in major works on the east bank, building - across from Gael Force Marine - a new quay that will provide a new tanker berth. Capt Macleod told News & Views that currently he is involved, along with the Coastguard, Police and Fire Brigade, in looking into improving safety in the river and canal area, following the drowning of a number of people in recent years.