CalMac subsidiary CMAL revises Argyll pier and harbour charges

CMAL’s previous charging structure was not entirely clear and was found to be erratically applied. This has led to a revised system of fees at Argyll’s piers and harbours. These include: Coll, Colonsay, Fishnish, Kennacraig, Oban, Port Ellen, Tiree and Tobermory as well as nearby linked harbours at Kilchoan, Lochaline and Lochranza.

Berthing chages are currently based on Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) at a rate of 34p per tonne. From 1st April (and no, it’s not a joke) this will come down to 30p per tonne, aligned wth charges imposed by other port authorities.

Traffic dues for cars and passengers will increase by no more than inflation. Fees for commercial vehicles will come down from the current £2.62 per metre to £0.95 per metre. Livestock will be charged at 65p per head.

Also from 1st April fishing boats will be able to pay a composite fee for berthing and landings. This was not previously available to them. Until now, a boat of up to 10 metres (the size of most West Highland fishing boats) paid a berthing fee of £19.65 and 8% of the value of their catch at each landing. From 1st April these boats will have the opportunity to choose to pay a composite fee of £22 for each berthing or an annual composite fee of £456. They may also choose to pay on a berthing-only basis of £13.50 per berthing or an annual berthing-only fee of £116.

Oban Port Users Association feels that the new system of composite fees will be fairer for pier and harbour users in Oban and a significant benefit in the other ports. Why the difference? This is because the Oban situation is currently more complex. Landing fees at the South Pier are paid to CMAL while berthing fees for tying up at the CalMac pier are paid to the parent company.

Once everything is coherently organised, Peter Tosh, Chair of Oban Port Users Assopciation sees fishing boats paying around 25% less than they do at present.

The other side of the new arrangements – there’s always another side – is that leisure craft may find themselves charged at piers and harbours which they had previously used for nothing.