North Uist police station to be sold after officers relocated to Lochmaddy Sheriff Court

A police station in North Uist is to be sold after officers were relocated to the island’s sheriff court.

The move forms part of the Police Scotland Estates Strategy, which aims to deliver an “effective, sustainable, accessible and inclusive estate”.

A public consultation was held in July 2024 regarding proposals for Lochmaddy police station, which is located about 100 metres from the court.

The station was home to an office and cell accommodation, as well as an accompanying flat which was not being used.

Chief inspector Ross McCartney, area commander for the Western Isles, said: “Retaining a large property with vacant accommodation was not making best use of public resources, especially when there is a critical need for housing in the Highland and islands area.

“The sheriff court building is just over 100 metres from the former police station and using one co-located space rather than maintaining two separate public sector buildings, each with cells, makes practical and financial sense.

“I want to reassure the public that there will be no change to our level of service or response to the local community.

“Our experienced officers based at Lochmaddy will provide a dedicated policing service for North Uist.”

Police Scotland said the former Lochmaddy station building will be put on the market soon.

Chief inspector McCartney added: “Our stations across the Outer Hebrides remain at Castlebay, Daliburgh, Benbecula, Lochmaddy, Stornoway and our shared office in Tarbert, Harris.

“We are committed to providing a visible and proactive policing service to the Outer Hebrides.

“The move in Lochmaddy, along with our network of police estate and local officers reinforces our long-term commitment to the Western Isles and to continuing to deliver a high-quality service to local communities.”