Plans for watersports hub on Mull

Tobermory Harbour Association's plan to turn an old fish farm building into an outdoor education centre has been lodged with Argyll and Bute Council.

 

The Boathouse Pier Hatchery sits 1.5 miles from Tobermory, on the Aros Waterfront site, once part of the Aros Estate.

 

A design statement in the application explains: 'With support from the Scottish Land Fund, Tobermory Harbour Association (THA) purchased the Aros Waterfront site in August 2019, with the view to developing the site on behalf of the local community.

 

'The waterfront site bordering Tobermory Bay comprises of an old pier and slipway as well as a strip of forestry land, two disused and deteriorating buildings, one the former estate sawmill, and the other the original boathouse.

 

'THA have plans to transform this site into an outdoor activity hub, creating an anchor for wider park activities and safe access points for water sport activities within Tobermory Bay.'

 

'The existing building on site comprises of three basic building shells. The central shell is an old stonework building which has been extended in two directions with low quality block extensions.

 

'At some time the buildings were given an external finish of render which remains today. The proposals are to retain the stonebuilt building and expose the stone walls to recognise the historic nature of the building.

 

'Extensions either side will be either timber clad or clad with a wriggly tin to contrast the stone walls.

 

'A new extension overlooking the pier will house a galley kitchen to compliment the training and teaching room.

 

'The building is well served with paths and cycle routes both from the main park and along the coast to Tobermory. The feasibility of a water taxi service from Tobermory is also being investigated.

 

'Combined with the pier refurbishment, the building provides a prime, sheltered spot for kayaking/paddleboarding/diving, etc., away from the commercial bay area.'