Council rejects island bid to control its pier finances

A COMMUNITY group on Mull has been knocked back in its attempt to take control of its own pier after Argyll and Bute Council officers said it was not for sale.

However, Mull Community Council has agreed to discuss the matter at its next meeting to find out if it might be able to make a strong case for the purchase of Craignure Pier, which could bring more than £1.5 million into the island’s economy through pier fees.

It had hoped that, under Scottish Government legislation, the community could take control of the asset, something the community council believes is being poorly maintained by the local authority.

But a spokesman for Argyll and Bute Council said: ‘Community right to buy provides the opportunity for community bodies to buy land once it is offered for sale.

‘Craignure Pier is not currently considered to be a surplus asset and is therefore not being offered for sale.

‘The council has made a significant investment in the maintenance and operation of the pier over the years, including recent work in partnership with Transport Scotland, Cal-Mac and the local community to ensure the road equivalent tariff (RET) and subsequent additional vessel, the MV Coruisk, were delivered smoothly.

‘The island is now reaping the economic benefit that comes with enhanced ferry connectivity, with more and more people visiting.

‘Going forward, to align with the Scottish Government’s vessel replacement strategy, which could see larger vessels deployed, it is likely the pier will require significant capital investment which will bring with it an increased maintenance burden.

‘Public bodies would be best placed to make this investment to ensure the lifeline ferry service is secured in the years to come. We run the pier for the benefit of the local community, ensuring it keeps the island connected to the mainland.

‘Our piers and harbours are vital parts of the area’s transport infrastructure.

‘We are pleased the community council’s aspirations for Craignure Pier are equal to our own.

‘We have written to the community council and would be happy to have a discussion with them and the wider Mull community.’