Argyll & Bute Press Statement on proposed transit marina

[Nick]

In October 2012, the Oban CHORD Project Board agreed to facilitate a review of the marine tourism facilities in Oban Bay in order to identify the optimal configuration of existing and proposed facilities in the Oban vicinity to sustainably grow the marine tourism market for the benefit of Oban and Argyll. HIE partnered the Council in taking this forward.

‘A series of workshops with key stakeholders were facilitated to explore the varied interests, views and opportunities in respect of Oban.

‘The final workshop was held on Friday 22 February where a consensus was reached that Oban has the potential to be a major centre for marine tourism in Argyll and the west Highlands.

‘In addition, the key stakeholders came to a general agreement on the need for a transit facility in Oban bay in order to unlock Oban’s marine tourism growth potential. The transit facility would provide accessible step-ashore provision and be linked to a redevelopment of the white building as an orientation point for visitors and visiting sailors including the provision of toilets and showers. The delivery of these infrastructure developments will result in the North Pier becoming a marine leisure quarter for Oban.

‘Oban Marina on the Isle of Kerrera is an important tourism facility for Oban and its owners agree that the provision of a transit facility in Oban Bay would collectively provide a better and more appealing offer for sailors seeking attractive and safe destinations as they explore the western Highlands.

‘Argyll and Bute Council and HIE welcome the outcomes and will give consideration to the report’s findings and the next steps.

‘Councillor Louise Glen-Lee, Chair of the Oban CHORD Project Board stated that “over the last 3 months we have all been on a journey of understanding not only of Oban’s unique offer, but also market demands, synergies and opportunities. I can say that all stakeholders have emerged from this exercise with a broader view on how best to secure real sustainable economic growth for Oban via its terrific maritime assets and heritage”.

‘The Council and HIE would like to thank all stakeholders for their valuable contribution. The key stakeholders were Oban Marina, Oban Bay Marine, VisitScotland and the Royal Yachting Association (Scotland), Crown Estate. Thanks also to a number of other stakeholders who were approached as external specialists including CMAL, Calmac, Northern Lighthouse Board, Oban Bay Community Berthing Ltd, STRAMASH and Oban Ltd.’

Oban Bay Marine issued a short response:

They say: ‘Further to the press release issued by Argyll and Bute Council and Highland and Islands Enterprise below, the board of OBM broadly welcome the findings of the review of marine tourism facilities in Oban bay recently commissioned by Oban CHORD Project Board.

‘The final report has not yet been issued but the OBM board have given a commitment to work with the Council and HIE towards our long held goal of the installation of a transit facility for the heart of Oban.

‘Inevitably this will involve changes to the current OBM proposals but the board recognises the importance of the review and its part in the unlocking of the way forward.’

[wully]

I'm not holding my breath....

[stevepick]

Well thats a turn up for the books, I guess this is since changes in the council at the elections a few years back? Maybe it is because they have reaslised that Tobermory seems to be forging ahead - proposal for full harbour authority etc - while Oban languishes . Maybe someone in the council has read their history, Easdale was once the largest community in the area. The size and success of towns ebbs and flows, and it has always seemed that A&BC never realised they need to invest effort and thought to maintaining a towns success. Pity so much public money was wasted on daft consultancy fees to prove a marina wouldn't work.

[DaveS]

The mention of the North Pier and the "white building" redevelopment would imply that the site of the transit marina is now to be a bit further north than the previously published plans. Probably better for avoiding conflict with berthing CalMac ferries and the view from the town centre, but a longer walk from the railway and bus station. I'm glad that Oban Marina appear to be on board: as I've said before I think the best solution would be to have the transit marina jointly run between Oban and Kerrera so that visitors could choose between easy access and better shelter as their circumstances dictate.

[Telo]

Maybe it is because they have reaslised that Tobermory seems to be forging ahead - proposal for full harbour authority etc - while Oban languishes .......

That is very true. The visitor berths at Tobermory, and the improvement in facilities, have undoubtedly brought a fair amount of extra traffic into the town without damaging its character. Most visitors there go ashore and spend in the shops, pubs and restaurants.

Oban could do with a wee boost also, imho.

[sahona]

Maybe it is because they have realised that Tobermory seems to be forging ahead - proposal for full harbour authority etc - while Oban languishes .......

Is it just me? - Tobermory has always been a west coast mecca for sailors, whereas Oban never used to hit the headlines.
As a Glasgow tenament child - ie, not 'brought up on my parents yacht', I somehow still knew about "the Tobermory race" - a feeder for west highland week, where families spent happy times transiting the canal, sharing supplies and sailing in company to Tobermory before going on their separate ways for the rest of the holiday. - people wanted to go there... and so did I.
Oban, however, was never mentioned.
So if they want to be part of the west coast yachty circuit, maybe they need to be more welcoming - speculate in order to accumulate...as they say, but I don't think they really want us. (Kerrera excluded by the way - I've always found them OK)