Positively encouraging

It is perhaps a bit of a curious thing, but I sense a change in the air – almost a sense of excitement – despite the ongoing Covid crisis.

It’s a little difficult to put a finger on, but I was chatting online the other day with my chum John McLachlan, mine host at the Whisky Vaults Hotel in the town centre, formerly the Woodside and Rockport.

John told me he and his lovely partner Helen are ‘working hard at the hotel, painting and making tables for the beer garden’.

Clearly, they are looking forward to opening once more and are preparing for restrictions to be lifted so they can welcome back customers.

I have no doubt Declan Curran at the Lorne, Aulay Dunn at his eponymous pub, Stevie Shaw at the Oban Inn and all the other hospitality sector bosses are busy making plans to hit the ground running when lockdown lifts.

To that, I can add the positive news that permission has been granted by Argyll and Bute Council for a new distillery on Islay, investment plans have been revealed to create tidal power for the world-renowned Islay whisky producers and funding being found for two new developments at Dunbeg’s European Marine Science Park, which could create 30 jobs.

There are many other opportunities being identified, with the Oban area’s entrepreneurs gearing up for a resumption of business.

As I’ve urged previously, when the chance comes, let’s all support our local businesses as much as we can.