“It’s time to start telling some home truths,” said a group of Oban Bay mariners, before a consultation begins on the council’s plans to take over one of Scotland’s busiest harbours.
“Argyll and Bute Council is seeking powers from the Scottish Government that would give them complete control over all existing and future moorings in Oban Bay,” said a spokesperson for a group of Oban Bay stakeholders, Oban Community Harbour Development Association (OCHDA).
“At present control of licenses for moorings and pontoon berths is shared between Crown Estate Scotland and Marine Scotland (the Government).
“If the powers are granted to the council then all existing mooring-owners will have to apply for new licenses from Argyll and Bute Council who can alter charges, force re-location of the mooring or refuse licenses altogether, without any built-in consultation.
“Oban Harbour Authority will become the second biggest harbour authority in Scotland, in terms of the number of moorings contained within its boundaries – in excess of 250 in addition to those associated with Kerrera Marina.
“Only one harbour in Scotland will have responsibility for more moorings than the planned Oban Harbour Authority: Clyde, where there is a specific Moorings Committee which has responsibility for oversight of all moorings on behalf of the harbour authority.
“Other swingeing powers will be to allow, or to refuse, the use of the bay for such activities as the Craggy Island Triathlon, the Raft Race or next year’s visit by the Clipper fleet. It may also not be permitted to smoke anywhere in the harbour – even on your own boat.
“The future of Oban Harbour will soon be the subject of formal consultation, overseen by Transport Scotland. Everyone who has an interest in the harbour must make their voice heard.”
OCHDA chairperson, Ross Wilson, added: “The most worrying thing about these powers is how the council might use them without any obvious commitment to including harbour users and other stakeholders in decision-making. The council must make a clear statement of commitment to real consultation about all decisions affecting the future of the bay.
“Whether you paddle a kayak or a paddleboard or rely on a ferry for your island business, your future is in the hands of the new harbour authority. Get up-to-date information at www.ochda.scot and make sure that you take part in the council’s consultation which is expected to start soon.”
An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “By establishing a Municipal Harbour Authority in Oban we will be able to enforce positive safety measures in the bay. We have submitted a draft Harbour Revision Order (HRO) to Transport Scotland and, following approval of this, there will be an extensive statutory public consultation over a 42-day period.”