An independent harbour trust is needed for Oban
Some years ago, the port of Glasgow was owned and run by the Clyde Navigation Trust on behalf of the citizens of Glasgow. Westminster took all the harbours, docks, buildings, land and the river and placed them into the newly formed Clydeport Authority, removing all the assets without compensation to the citizens of Glasgow. Ditto Port Glasgow and Greenock.
Later this whole ownership was sold to Peel Ports of the Isle of Man, so outside ownership and in a tax haven. Later this also happened to the Forth Ports.
Oban Harbour is much different with multiple ownership but the proposed formation of new controls by CMAL and CalMac would be restrictive and the result would be loss of control and possibly of assets by the many interested owners, not least the people of Oban and area.
There does not seem to be knowledge of what response there might be from Argyll and Bute Council, which should be looking after the public interest, but given its track record in looking after other assets, there is cause for concern.
I am firmly of the opinion that all the local interests of running, maintaining and operating the harbour must be placed in an Oban Harbour Trust, with wide representation. Successful other trusts include Tobermory, Ullapool and Shetland. This would need experienced and strong leadership, so who is chosen is paramount.
It might be of interest to see if The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 might be used. It would facilitate progress if who owns what was listed – who has business and/or ownership of what is adjacent to the harbour.
What does the council own (North Pier) or act as agent for (trunk road A85), local jetties, the new short-stay marina. and so on?
It would be interesting and necessary for those proposing a harbour trust to have an indication of what might be the income and expenditure of such a body. The figures so far given on possible ownership or operating costs have no verification as to how and by whom they were obtained.
The book Who Pays the Ferryman? The Great Scottish Ferries Swindle by Roy Pedersen is required reading explaining why we have an outdated and unsuitable ferry services and at enormous expense, when it should be profitable. Should Oban harbour be given into the control of such an incompetent outfit? Donald Hutchison,
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.