Decision time looms for future of Mull Campus

The Oban Times asked all councillors which site they will vote for. The majority did not respond but of those who did, most said that they would not reveal their decision until the meeting, with a few saying they had yet to make up their mind.

The only two councillors who gave their position were South Kintyre’s Tommy Macpherson and Oban South and the Isles’ Willie Hume. 

Councillor Macpherson said he stands with the people of Mull and wants to see a split site. He did not indicate how he would vote. 

Councillor Hume said he will be voting for Tobermory south. He cited the increased travel times and costs associated with a split site or central location, as well as the social and economic damage removing education would cause for Tobermory as his reasons. 

A delegation of three community members from Mull will attend the meeting at Kilmory Castle to explain the island’s situation to councillors. 

The group will get 10 minutes to discuss their points, which they believe is not enough. One of the representatives has said the pressure on the trio will be too much to handle and that emotions will likely run high. 

The community believes the entire Mull Campus process should have involved community input before LEIP (Learning Estate Investment Programme) funding was applied for. 

For this reason, the three community representatives will advocate for a pause in the project to ensure the Scottish Government, council and community can come together and properly discuss the problem.