Permanent protection needed to save Easdale harbour

Easdale harbour is at risk and the ferry service is in jeopardy unless more work is carried out soon to give protection, the leader of Argyll and Bute Council has been warned.

 

Former Highlands and Islands MSP and a resident of Easdale, Mike MacKenzie says more dredging is urgently needed otherwise it will become impossible to run the ferry service and there is a danger the island will lose its harbour altogether.

 

Work to dredge the harbour's entrance by council contractors was only completed a couple of weeks ago says Mr MacKenzie, but Storm Aiden took its toll.

 

Easdale and Seil Community Council chairman Zim Knight agrees a more permanent solution needs to be found.

 

'We are aware that the harbour wall has been breached just a matter of weeks after the council finished repairs. It needs addressing and we will actively work with the council to find a permanent solution.'

 

In an open letter to council leader Robin Currie, Mr MacKenzie said: 'The cost of this work must have been significant. Unfortunately Saturday’s gale, the first of this winter, has resulted in the shingle bank, which protects the harbour being over-topped, and much of the work done by the council’s contractors has already been undone. That is because no further steps have been taken to protect and stabilise the loose shingle bank and entrance to the harbour.'

 

He added in the letter: 'I would ask that you take steps to arrange further dredging as soon as possible. Unless this is done very soon it will become impossible to run the ferry service and there is a danger that we will lose the harbour altogether. I would stress again that more permanent  protection and stabilisation measures should also be put in hand otherwise the council will continually face further and needless expenditure.'

 

He told Councillor Currie he had already warned council chief executive Pippa Milne in an open letter back in February that preventative action to stabilise the shingle bank was needed. The letter was sent after fallen slate and rubble blocked the harbour entrance and stopped the ferry from running for two days.

 

A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: 'Had we not carried out recent works – to reinstate a groin to the north of the harbour entrance – recent storm damage would have been much worse. So that is a positive.

 

'We hope any future plans for the harbour can be taken forward in partnership with all its users – council, community and commercial. The first step would be to organise a feasibility study to consider constructing breakwaters to the north of the channel. We would hope to issue the brief before the end of the financial year.'