Piers and harbour study is launched

ARGYLL and Bute Council launched a consultation on fees and charges at its piers and harbours this week.

The current fees throughout Argyll and Bute have never been standardised and the consultation will help to simplify the current system and ensure the long-term future of these key transport links.

Councillor Ellen Morton, chairwoman of Argyll and Bute Council’s Harbour Board, explained: ‘ The 39 piers and harbours owned and operated by the council are vitally important to the local economy, bringing people and goods into Argyll and Bute, and providing local communities with vital transport links.

‘There are substantial costs associated with operating so many differing piers, from the small, unmanned and quiet leisure slips like Keills, south of Tayvallich and Lagg on Jura to the large, busy ferry ports like Craignure on Mull and Rothesay on Bute.

‘In line with good practice, in the interests of ensuring the council is making the most of its assets, a review of fees and charges at our piers and harbours has been carried out. We are now looking to consult with users and members of the public on a set of general proposals.

‘I would encourage anyone with an interest in the council’s piers and harbours to take the time to give us their views.

‘The feedback from the consultation will be used to inform the final plans.’

The consultation can be accessed at: https:// www.argyll- bute. gov.uk/consultations/ fees-and- charges- piers- andharbours.