The White Building was an important part of Oban’s history, where ferry passengers would collect their tickets to visit the islands.
Now the visitor centre which is to stand in its place will become an important part of the port’s future, providing a welcome to seafarers for years to come.
The building at the North Pier has been demolished to make way for a Maritime Visitor Centre, to be complemented by a pontoon development for visiting boats.
Argyll and Bute Council is providing the £3million investment through its Chord (Campbeltown Helensburgh Oban Rothesay and Dunoon) plan, a project to rejuvenate the waterfront towns.
It is expected that the pontoons will be in operation by late summer, with the visitor centre opening if not at the same time, then by October.
A council spokesman gave an update of the progress, saying: “Work on the ambitious transit berthing and marine visitor facilities continues and it is exciting to see this prestigious regeneration project reach this phase.
“We look forward to delivering the facilities, which will be a huge asset to the whole of Oban and the surrounding area and support the development of marine-based tourism in Argyll and Bute.
“The White Building has already been demolished and the site is being prepared for construction.”
He added: “The breakwaters are currently being manufactured at Dunstaffnage Marina and the construction of the finger pontoons, access bridge, and entry gate are progressing well. Divers from local company North West Marine have successfully completed work to reposition the existing moorings in preparation for the installation of the facility.”
Lead Councillor for Oban Lorn and the Isles, Roddy McCuish, said: “It is so good that it has started, it is brilliant.
“The Maritime Visitor Centre will have shower facilities, a drying area, office space available for rent, a welcoming area for cruise ship passengers and a space in the middle for people to gather and meet.
“It will not only be a very attractive building, it is much needed for Oban. It is recognised that marine tourism is on the up throughout Scotland and Oban is well over due being at the table.”
