From our files - Argyllshire Advertiser, February 14 2025

TWENTY YEARS AGO

 

Friday February 18 2005

Loch Fyne fishing wars

 

The contentious issue of creel fishing versus mobile gear fishing was a hot topic at the February 10 meeting to discuss plans for Loch Fyne.

 

Concerns were raised by mobile gear fishermen, who felt that creels at harbour approaches could interfere with commercial and leisure craft.

 

Another issue raised was the over-fishing of Loch Fyne, with claims that the floor of the loch could become a ‘ploughed field’ if trawling continues in its present form.

 

Parties with an interest in the way the loch is managed were invited to air their views at Inveraray Community Hall, as part of Argyll and Bute Council’s Integrated Coastal Zone Management plan.

 

The aim of the two year project is the formation of a Loch Fyne Management Group, which will develop plans to guide Argyll and Bute Council, regulatory bodies and loch users on future developments for Loch Fyne.

 

Ken Buchan of Argyll and Bute Council Marine and Coastal Development Unit chaired the meeting. He said: ‘We’re giving loch users a forum at which to express their concerns and their aspirations about the future development of the loch.

 

‘The outcomes of meetings planned for the future will guide the development of the plans, which should give the council a better basis on which to make decisions on future planning applications. Apart from this, the development of a Loch Fyne Management Group could lead to other projects which may enhance economic development of the area.’ 

 

One key aspect of the proposed management group’s remit will be balancing the many different activities that currently take place on Loch Fyne, including fishing, diving, sailing and water-skiing. 

 

Mr Buchan hoped that the management group would be able to achieve a balance between the various groups.

 

He said: ‘The idea is not to impact on any current uses.

 

‘However, if as a management group agreements are made between sectors which would balance the use of the loch to everyone’s benefit, there may be room for local agreements.’

FORTY YEARS AGO

 

Friday February 15 1985

Boatyard housing scheme

 

Tarbert Boatyard, sold last year after going into the hands of the official receiver, could be the location for an important housing development in the foreseeable future.

 

The firm which now owns the site, Ayr-based civil engineers and building contractors W. J. Barr and Sons, told the ‘Advertiser’ this week that it was ‘ideal for housing’ but stressed that other possibilities have not been ruled out.

 

Mr Peter Fisher, personnel safety manager, said that the firm bought the boatyard last May for redevelopment.

 

‘That is certainly our plan,’ he said. ‘It is certainly very much in the overall plans of the company.’ Tarbert had not been forgotten about, he added.

 

When asked about the timescale of development - whether it would be next year or five years hence - Mr Fisher commented: ‘I would say within the foreseeable future. I would not like to be tied down to a particular time but five years is out of the question. We don’t buy something to allow it to remain dormant.’

 

‘Development is very much in our mind,’ added Mr Fisher.

Although the firm had yet to make enquiries into local market demand, he said that having looked at the site, it appeared ideal for housing.

 

Mr Fisher said he doubted very much if the firm would keep the site, measuring slightly less than an acre, as a boatyard.

 

W. J. Barr and Sons, established since 1898, employ between 350 and 400 people. Along with the boatyard, the firm inherits planning permission, granted to previous owners in 1983, for major re-development including a substantial flat complex, a small boat repair facility, some space for dinghies and a swimming pool.

 

Dropping in to the café

 

A ‘Drop-in Café operated by the Youth Enquiry Service started in Lochgilphead on Tuesday evening. 

 

The café, based in the community centre, is to run once a week on a trial basis. Activity worker for YES Sue Gadsby, who works out of the community centre, said that the café was somewhere for people to meet and exchange ideas which could possibly lead to the formation of clubs or projects. 

 

YES provides a free information service covering a wide variety of issues including benefits, interviews, sports, travel and grant-aiding organisations. Its aim is to encourage youth involvement in the community and give advice on joint initiatives among youngsters.

 

YES has already distributed questionnaires among fifth and sixth-year pupils at Lochgilphead High School informing them of the service and asking them what they want. 

 

Other projects are under way, including a possible community festival in late April.

SIXTY YEARS AGO

 

Tuesday February 16 1965

Redevelopment at Ardrishaig

 

Overlooking Loch Fyne to the south, a new housing scheme near completion on the slopes high above the village, marks the first stage in the county council’s redevelopment plan for Ardrishaig.

 

And as soon as tenants from condemned properties in the lower reaches of the village move into their new homes next month in Upper Glenfyne Park, tenders will be issued for the demolition of certain properties in Chalmers Street and Glenfyne Crescent.

 

Built at a cost of around £127,000 by Messrs D. and J. McDougall, Oban, the 38-house development will absorb families whose present homes, three-quarters of a mile away, will be demolished by the end of the summer.

 

But when the houses are demolished, local authority spokesman said at the weekend, the county council intends to rebuild on these valuable housing sites.

 

And when these houses are completed, they will be tenanted by persons from the remaining old properties in the village.

 

Mr Henry Robinson, clerk to Mid Argyll District Council, which has just made a provisional allocation of the Upper Glenfyne Park houses, has sent circulars to the tenants inviting them to notify him by February 27 whether they are accepting the houses.

 

‘We have had to allocate the houses quickly,’ said Mr Robinson, ‘but if the tenants get together and agree to suitable exchanges, my council will be satisfied.’

 

When the redevelopment is completed in Chalmers Street and Glenfyne Crescent in a few years’ time, the district council anticipates that the village’s housing problems will be solved, the entire area will be adequately housed and that Ardrishaig’s population of around 1,100 will be satisfied at the steps taken to improve the amenity of the place.

 

Tarbert hovercraft service is welcomed

 

The proposed hovercraft service between Gourock and Tarbert planned by Highland Engineering Ltd was welcomed at an executive meeting of the Argyll Liberal Association. 

 

If this venture were successful it would open up the possibility of fast and economic transport on the sea-routes of the Western Highlands and Islands the executive considered.

 

The association urged the new Highland Development Board to note carefully the results of this experimental service, and if successful to do all in its power to encourage the spread of Hovercraft services in the Clyde Estuary and the Western Isles.