Oban Bay trust port

Following last week’s public meeting to discuss the control of Oban Bay, where the results of a survey were discussed, volunteers are now investigating the feasibility of running the bay as a trust port.

Out of 550 people surveyed, 63 per cent voted for a trust port managed by an independent local board, 15 per cent wanted a council-run municipal harbour, and only seven per cent were in favour of a single user, which would see CalMac’s ferry and port-owning sister company Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited expanding its harbour area to absorb the area currently managed by Argyll and Bute Council.

Oban Bay Management Group (OBMG) has now endorsed the proposal, but this is where the hard work really begins as the group must demonstrate sustainable governance and finance. If it is unable to do so, the options of a council-run municipal harbour or CMAL taking over as a single user will be looked at.

OBMG should be commended for having listened to public opinion, and we would hope that a collaborative approach can be taken to ensure that the management and safety of Oban Bay benefits everyone, not just the few.