Mr Russell saw some of the first log cargo being transported off the island from the new pier on Monday.
The pier at Fishnish, being operated by TSL Contracting Ltd for Forestry Commission Scotland, will reduce the cost of transporting logs from Mull to the mainland and save around 800,000 lorry miles each year on Scotland’s roads.
“Before the pier was built, the island was lacking a facility which can handle bulky cargo in great quantities,” said Mr Russell.
“Up to 3,000 tonnes can be shifted through the pier at any one time and this will make a big difference. ‘With cheaper transport now on offer, the viability of forest operations will be greatly improved. This will ensure harvesting and wood processing jobs are sustained on the island – which is great news.”
The pier can also be used by other timber suppliers on Mull, opening up new transport options for them. Mull has around 13,000ha of forest, with Forestry Commission Scotland managing just over half.
Most was planted between the 1950s and 1980s and is reaching peak harvesting time.
The current annual harvest of 50,000 tonnes is expected to double to around 100,000 tonnes in the next 10-20 years.
