If ever a group of people involved in a project for the public good deserved success, it has to be the stoical members of Oban Bay Marine.
The company has sat out a series of setbacks, some unable to survive objective scrutiny, in its long running proposal to create a 60-berth transit marina in Oban Bay, with direct walk-up to the town centre waterfront.
Where many would have walked away long ago, the company stayed faithful to the widespread support the plan had gained from local businesses – who financially supported its development to a substantial tune.
Today, 27th June 2012, after years of disappointment, the group saw Argyll and Bute Council’s Planning, Protective Services and Licensing committee decide to approve the latest version of their plans.
The proposed transit marina makes provision for small day boats and RIBs, a diesel berth, manager’s office and limited use for over-wintering.
Councillor Louise Glen-Lee , Lead Councillor for Oban, Lorn and The Isles Area Committee, says: ‘This marina will enable Oban to welcome vessels into the bay area for a walk ashore facility. This will add to the already rich tapestry of facilities there are here already for sailors and kayakers. We already have some great facilities and this transit marina adds to that.
‘I look forward to seeing vessels from cruise liners to kayaks using the bay well together and strengthening Oban as an international sailing hub.
‘The committee’s decision allows the applicants to go ahead and put together a funding package and a strong business case.’
The example already set by the Tobermory Harbour Associaiton with its very successful transit marina and swing moorings provision demonstrates what can be done.
A transit marina is also a hugely important facility for Argyll and the Isles in its entirety. This marina will be a key part of a chain of such resources for the valuable leisure sailing market, eager to take advantage of Argyll’s unparallelled sailing grounds.
Today’s decision is good news all round.
Congratulations! to Oban Bay marine for their success finally procured after great effort and tenacity.
Congratulations! too to Oban Lorn and the Isles Area Committee for showing progressive decision making and good judgement.
Oban will no longer be the only west coast town to turn its back on the folk who go to sea for leisure and pleasure!
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This is great news for Oban and to everyone involved in recreational seagoing activities and tourism.
The Oban Bay management committee have held on to their vision and should be commended for not giving up on this project.
This will greatly increase the options for yachts and ribs to allow overnight berthing and will enhance the seafront.
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It’s early days yet, but this considered decision of the new council’s area committee bodes well for the future, and hopefully today the Helensburgh area committee will be equally thoughtful in their deliberations on Colquhoun Square.
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HURRAH !!
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Really good to see a positive and constructive plan for Oban Bay moving forward under the new adminstration. There is much to be done to restore Oban as a premier West Coast destination but this is encouraging and will be of benefit for residents and visitors.
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Great news.
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Brilliant/fine news indeed…I no longer have to rely on the wee ferry to get to/from Kerrera (Oban Marina) I will soon be able to run up to Tesco’s and get my hard biscuits and rum..
Good effort enad every success.
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I should have guessed that you have to go to Tesco for those biscuits. D’you mean the ones you have to tap on the dead man’s chest to get the weevils out, unless you go for added protein?
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Aye…Well my boat will be staying at Oban Marina, it’s been their quite a while now…just makes the stocking up a tad easier…as for the weevils, I find that soaking the biscuits in a good dark rum gives them a piquant edge…
Got two weeks sailing to look forward to in a couple of weeks time…take the old girl out to my Tiree mooring…and forget about this place (work)
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so the oban mafia get there way again ,lets see how the council vote when weatherspoons apply for a licence (i believe they have 2 premises in mind ) .
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Another strange comment from the conspiracy theorists who continue to believe that it is all a plot by a cabal of fascist restaurant owners.
The marina received over 120 letters of support in spite of the short timescale for comments. These were overwhelmingly from boat owners and yachtsmen, not from restaurant owners
To deny the whole town the money that this development will bring because some of it might go to the evil cabal might seem a touch ‘dog in the manger’ to some.
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will oban marina (kerrera ) lose out because of this development ,does the town need another marina?
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Kerrera has a lot of long-term berths. Oban is designed as a transit marina only, so will not be threatening this trade in any way. It is possible that Kerrera might lose the odd boat night from visiting boats, but in fact they are often full.
The new transit marina is likely to see a lot of boats that would otherwise bypass Oban dropping in to provision or to have a day ashore in the fleshpots. Overall I don’t see Kerrera suffering in any way.
With two marinas only a mile apart Oban will be in the unique position of being able to offer a choice of marinas depending on wind direction.
I would say that it is a win-win situation with plenty of business for everyone. Is your glass always half empty?
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What about Weatherspoons then?
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Definately a place for weatherspoons in Oban. Good value food and drink in well run premises.
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I would go for this:Lentil, mushroom, mozzarella & pumpkin seed roast with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, fresh vegetables and gravy
How about you Phill
http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/food/menu/main/mains-2
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