Causeway creators are stalling for time, claim protestors

More work is needed to restore a popular navigable route between Luing and Torsa, say campaigners against a causeway built without permission.

 

Marine Scotland has instructed the Cadzow landowning family on Luing to put it back to how it was before but those angered by the crossing, which at one stage measured about 1.4m high, say hardly anything has changed since the government directive was made.

 

Argyll and Bute MSP Jenni Minto has been asked to step in and help.

 

One campaigner who wrote to the MSP asking for help said: 'Residents believe Cadzow Bros. are deliberately stalling. However I believe it is a matter of public interest to know when the passage will be available for navigation again; delay may result in serious accident to boat crew or damage to their craft, so your help with progressing matters will be much appreciated.'

 

Earlier this year Archie Cadzow insisted the former ford was fully restored to how it was before any work was carried out but campaigners disagree.

 

According to protestors, the  causeway has only been seen in use twice by local residents since its construction, once moving stock, once a shooting party. On both occasions it was at extreme low tide when it would have been possible to use the natural shallows, just as it has been for hundreds of years, they claim.

 

It was back in February that Marine Scotland told The Oban Times that 'some remediation works' had been carried out, adding that its officials would continue to liaise with the person responsible to ensure the site was 'restored to the condition in which it was before the activity occurred'.

 

Mr Cadzow said he had built up the historic old ford for health and safety reasons to benefit both employees and livestock - increasing times to get access to Torsa island and to spend on it looking after the animals.

 

But the new causeway, edged with huge boulders, created protest among kayakers and boat users saying what was a well-known, safe and sheltered navigable route marked on maps had now become impassable.

 

Even at high tide, campaigners said there was not much clearance and that the route had been 'blocked'. Complaints from the public were received by NatureScot, Marine Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council's Access Officer.

 

There were also concerns the new causeway could change tidal times, silt up the passage area and affect seaweed growth and wildlife in Ardinamir Bay and Cuan Cove, as well as force kayakers and boats out into rougher waters in bad weather on the outer side of Torsa.

 

 

Caption: The Luing-Torsa causeway in 2021, shown still above water at half-tide,  now has to be removed with the crossing returned to its former state

 

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