Oban Bay should be run in the interests of all its users and not by one corporate body, was the message from the public at a special meeting.
The Oban Bay Management Group (OBMG) hosted a meeting on Wednesday night for users of the bay to have their say on plans for CMAL (Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd) to take over the running of the entire harbour.
With increasing amounts of traffic, the group believes this will improve navigational safety.
OBMG is a partnership between the owners of the three piers, CMAL, Northern Lighthouse Board and Argyll and Bute Council. It also has representation from CalMac and a local stakeholder group.
But the proposals have not been well received by the local community.
Duncan Martin, chairman of the community berthing group, custodians of the town moorings, said: “This is Oban’s harbour. It is not CMAL’s harbour and must never be CMAL’s harbour.
“I would suggest a harbour run by one of its main users is un-tested. It would be bizarre. Most of the other port harbour’s round Scotland either belong in some cases to the local council or they are run by trusts.
“Oban would be unique in having this large harbour run by one of its users.
“I am sure the people of Oban are quite up to creating a harbour authority. I believe it should be run for all users of the harbour, not just CMAL.”
There were calls for a trust port to be set up, which would be run by a board representing the interests of all of the users.
Councillor Elaine Robertson said: “The development of the bay can’t be under just one corporate body. We have to have a meaningful partnership with all of those representing their interest in the bay.”
Lorna Spencer of CMAL, chairwoman of OBMG, said: “If a trust port was established we would draw back to our existing area. We would be happy to work to establish a trust port.”
Some of plans CMAL is considering to improve safety include having a small patrol boat in the bay and tracking to monitor all vessels.
Phil Day, director of NLB, said it could take years to establish a trust port, while CMAL has staff and infrastructure already in place. He said: “To create a trust port you have to start from scratch. If CMAL get it set up they can pass it over to the trust port.”
Paul Jennings, OBMG port manager earlier said that the group does not want the activities which are currently enjoyed in the bay including yacht races and cruise ship visits to stop.
