CMAL bid to control Oban Bay ‘ignores’ local views, says RYA

A bid by CalMac’s sister company to control Oban Bay ‘lacks transparency’ and ‘ignores’ local views, according to the Royal Yachting Association of Scotland, writes Sandy Neil.

Last week local business groups jointly raised their concerns about Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd’s (CMAL) plans to create a single port authority for Oban Bay, arguing there had been little consultation.

The Oban Bay Management Group (OBMG), which endorsed CMAL’s bid, responded by inviting users to have their say in an online survey, and hosted a public meeting at the Corran Halls yesterday (Wednesday July 18).

A CMAL spokesperson said the volume of traffic using Oban Bay had increased to 39,000 vessel movements per year: ‘The OBMG has identified that, as well as a number of interim measures, the establishment of a harbour authority to cover the wider Oban Bay area is necessary to reduce risk from increased traffic, to improve marine safety and enhance the commercial viability of the harbour.’

However, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) of Scotland said the survey lacks transparency. CEO James Allan told members: ‘RYA Scotland feels the questionnaire has limitations and contains leading questions, but it is really important that as many individuals as possible fill in the responses to ensure the boating community is represented.

‘The North Channel entrance is narrow and has for some time been the focus of concerns on safety in the area. RYA Scotland is clear that there is an absolute need for safer management of marine traffic in Oban Bay.

‘RYA Scotland volunteers are working hard with the stakeholders’ group to ensure the voice of the boating community is included alongside that of the community of Oban Bay.

‘We believe the current level of engagement and the intentions of the OBMG are not adequately transparent and that the interests of the local community and the recreational boating community are being ignored.

‘RYA Scotland believes a trust port model for the harbour authority of Oban Bay, recommended in the Fisher Associates report, is the most inclusive option, and will best represent the widest range of stakeholder interests, but this has been dismissed by the management group without consultation.’

One member of the Oban Bay stakeholder group added: ‘Everybody agrees with [CMAL’s] “theme” that safety in the bay is vital and agree that [CMAL] needs to be part of any organisation running the bay. However, the concern is that the major user should not be the controller, and nobody believes their claims that they will not just put themselves first. Also this would effectively make Oban the first “nationalised” port in the UK.’

Lorna Spencer, who chairs the OBMG, added: ‘Questions about creating a harbour trust have been raised and we welcome this as an option.’