Control of Oban Bay could soon be transferred from Argyll and Bute Council to a trust port which would run the busy harbour.
The facility would be run on behalf of the community after controversial proposals by the government body which owns the pier and ferries to take control of running the bay.
An increase in marine traffic in Oban Bay has highlighted the need for the waters to be controlled and regulated by a single Harbour Authority.
There was a major public outcry after CMAL (Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd) announced plans to run the entire harbour.
Local business and leisure users of the bay said it would be unfair to have the biggest user having full control, and the harbour should be operated to boost the community.
Oban Community Harbour Development Association (OCHDA) has been
established to develop the option of creating a trust port.
The association is proposing a transfer of the council’s powers and responsibilities in Oban Bay, including those around the North Pier, to the new harbour authority.
Argyll and Bute Harbour Board meets on Thursday.
The members are being asked to instruct officers, subject to consultation with the Oban Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, to investigate the proposal to establish a trust port and to the transfer of powers at the South Pier and North Piers.
Any transfer would not happen unless the Harbour Order was subsequently granted by Transport Scotland.
Jim Smith, head of roads and infrastructure write: “The primary aim of establishing a single harbour authority is to improve safety within the bay for all users.”
The association wants it to be agreed that the new harbour order would be drafted on the basis of the council agreeing to transfer its powers to the new harbour authority.
