Asbestos fears are found to be without foundation

THE new owners of the Isle of Seil’s Highland Arts Centre have been given the all-clear after concerns were raised that asbestos may have been released in the village.

The Ellenabeich business was bought by Tony Hill, who owns the wildlife boat operator Seafari Adventures next door and plans to turn the building into a boat storage facility.

However, following complaints that work on the roof was allegedly scattering asbestos debris along the roadside, health and safety agencies began investigating and work on the site was suspended.

This week Mr Hill received notification from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) that he had no case to answer.

Its unit manager for Argyll, Jim Frame, said: ‘With respect to the disposal of asbestos cement roofing sheets from the former Highland Arts premises at Ellenabeich, SEPA is satisfied that the material has been correctly consigned for disposal to the authorised facility at Avondale Quarry, Falkirk.

‘We are not aware of any other activities at this premises which require further regulatory action by SEPA.’

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also investigated the concerns and again told the businessman: ‘Thank you for the providing the information regarding the removal of asbestos at Seafari Adventures.

‘I confirmed that matters relating to you as a client are now closed.’

Following confirmation by both SEPA and the Health and Safety Executive that Seafari had done nothing wrong, owner Tony Hill told The Oban Times that he was concerned about the number of regular complaints against his business, saying: ‘Seafari followed due procedure. Again, Seafari questions the cost to the public purse – including the police time on the day.’