Tobermory community celebrates new coastal path connection
EVEN the typical west coast weather couldn’t dampen the community spirit last Saturday at Tobermory Harbour for the opening of the harbour authority’s new section of coastal path.
This valuable community project was funded by Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) and has greatly improved the appearance of the harbour and town, giving a lasting first impression to marine visitors as they approach by sea.
It also connects the harbour and seafront promenade with the main path to Aros Park and will undoubtedly encourage its use. CCF Project Officer, Katherine Cripps said: ‘It was a fantastic turnout for our event and we are delighted with the how smoothly the project ran, on time and on budget. We have had wonderful feedback so far and believe these new facilities will be an improvement for all.’
More than 200 local residents and visitors attended the official path opening, which was a free community event and a huge success, to watch the Tobermory High School Pipe Band and local resident and Councillor Mary Jean Devon cut the red ribbon.
This was followed by a poignant rendition of the very apt Ceacall a Chuain ( Circle
on the Ocean) by Isle of Mull Gaelic Choir, and finally Mull’s ‘national anthem’ An-t EileanMuileach.
Speeches were made by Brian Swinbanks, chairman of Tobermory Harbour Authority (THA) for more than 30 years, outlining the history of the harbour and the continued need for development, and Katherine Cripps, THA project officer responsible for the CCF Project, who thanked the main contractor Donald Brown and all the other contributors to the project’s success.
Councillor Devon congratulated the THA on its contribution to the town over the years and the success of another completed project. Tasty local produce, soup and sandwiches were provided by Hebridean Lodge and a complimentary Isle of Mull ice- cream was the order of the day for the little ones.
There were stalls, displays and activities for people to enjoy, including Mull and Iona Community Trust, Ulva Ferry Community Housing, Tobermory 1st Scouts and Guides, Isle of Mull Coastal Rowing, Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat and Shop, Tobermory Coastguard and Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. The Little Bespoke Bakery and Share Nature also took a stand.
Fun events included face painting by Faith Holmes, arts and crafts with Alicia Hendrick, scavenger hunts, willow weaving, coastal rowing, lifeboat trips, guided nature tours, coastal rowing on the local skiffs, all with a coastal or woodland theme.
THA ran a stall devoted to the Aros Waterfront project, funded by Heritage Lottery fund and Awards For All, by way of community consultation, offering ideas and concepts for restoration of Aros Pier and buildings with a view to identifying the most viable regeneration options.
Project officer Marion Ma- cLean, said: ‘This event got our consultation off to a good start and it is great to see so much positive feedback from the local community, especially the future generation.
‘Please watch out for upcoming events and information if you were unable to attend, as we would love to hear your ideas.’
Aside from the successful celebrations and entertainment on the day, which were the main purpose of the event, the directors and the staff hoped that it also gave the community a flavour of what the THA was about and what itputs back into the community.
Thanks were given to all the stallholders and organisations who helped on the day, as well as all those who attended and contributed towards making the day such a success.