Mooring policy agreed despite protest

But Phil Hamerton, OCHDA’s chairperson, told the board: “Unfortunately we do not believe it does either, and we hope we can shed some light on the subject.

“‘Moorings’ is a term taken to include pontoons, such as those at Kerrera Marina, but it is not clear whether that is the intention here. Our comments apply to Kerrera Marina and all other pontoons in Oban and elsewhere.

“As far as Oban is concerned, moorings are essential for cruise liners and others, for agricultural operations and fish farming. They are a significant source of income for the town and the current arrangements for mooring in Oban Bay are working perfectly well.

“The policy you are asked to approve today is incomplete and inconsistent with the Draft Harbour Revision Order.

“The sea bed licence will continue to be issued by Crown Estates Scotland. The navigation consent is issued by the government marine director, and currently these are issued for 25 years.

“There are over 200 individual moorings held by commercial organisations, and some by private individuals, in addition to the pontoons at Kerrera Marina. This is more than any Scottish harbour outside the Clyde.

“It is not clear who, if anybody, has been involved from Crown Estates Scotland. OCHDA is very willing to assist in developing the proposals.”

Scott Reid, Argyll and Bute Council’s marine operations manager, responded: “The sea bed is, and will remain, owned by Crown Estates, as it is their role to manage it. The other licence is quite different, but the two of them work together.

“The marine directorate issues licences for 25 years, which has recently increased from six. It is to do with the amount of admin involved.

“What we are proposing in this policy is in the first part of clarification on advice given by Crown Estates on what people have to do to apply for a mooring licence.

“Argyll and Bute Council, as harbour authority, also aspires to undertake a policy within our harbours.”

Councillor Andrew Kain (Independent, Oban South and the Isles), the board’s chairman, then added: “The intention of the Harbour Revision Order is to look at the development of Oban Harbour and safety issues.

“I am looking at it broader than just Oban. It is a lifeline service for islands linked with Oban, and the tourism value to Argyll and Bute and Scotland is immense.

“But there are broader issues to go out from this. We have no intention to diminish the economic potential of the harbour; it is to enhance the harbour and its safety.”

The policy was unanimously agreed by the board.