Cautious welcome for harbour authority timeline

Council aims for a new Oban harbour authority by April 2023 have been welcomed with caution, writes Kathie Griffiths.

Oban Community Harbour Development Association (OCHDA) says while it is encouraged to learn that council officers are making good progress, there is still a ‘worrying lack of detail’ in a report due to go before Argyll and Bute’s Harbour Board meeting today, Thursday March 3.

The report says council officers have developed a ‘high level’ project timeline and OCHDA wants its details shared.

OCHDA chairman Ross Wilson said: ‘Oban needs a safe harbour urgently and the people of Oban and their elected representatives, in particular, should be kept fully informed about the progress of this vital work.

‘The process is complex and will require support from all stakeholders and the wider community, as well as the ‘fair wind’ referred to in the report. Having read the report there is a worrying lack of detail about the project.’

OCHDA says good practice in other harbours suggests the council should establish a specific harbour committee, including community representatives and harbour users, to complement the oversight of the harbour board.

‘Listening to the community now should lead to a mature and open partnership between the council and the community to ensure that the best decisions are made for all stakeholders in Oban Harbour,’ added Mr Wilson.

OCHDA insists a trust port for Oban is still the best option because it would allow harbour benefits to be retained locally.

The council’s options appraisal reported to the Harbour Board’s December meeting that initial arrangements for a municipal port for the interim should be made with a view to eventually developing a trust port.