Exciting new plans to restore a derelict pier and operate a water taxi across Tobermory Bay have been revealed.
Aros Park on the isle of Mull has long been the main public outdoor recreation space for people in the area.
And now, Tobermory Harbour Association (THA) has applied to the National Forest Land Scheme (NFLS) to purchase 2.9 acres of land at the waterfront.
The area applied for includes the derelict pier, slipway and two ruined buildings, formerly a boathouse and sawmill.
The THA intends to maintain Aros Park’s unique attractions but to also sensitively restore the dilapidated pier and adjacent buildings, developing this corner of the park for the benefit of all existing visitors and attracting new visitors to the island.
Brian Swinbanks, chairman of Tobermory Harbour Association, said: “We are looking to purchase the area of land beside this lovely historic pier, which needs restoring.
“There are also some old buildings there which were used by a fish farm in the 70s and 80s, which was one of the first fish farms in Scotland.
“Now we are looking to take these over and are looking for businesses who might be interested in some sort of facility there.
“This could range from water based outdoor, to a new hatchery or tearoom. We have no fixed agenda as to what we are going to do with the buildings, we are looking for people to come to us.
“We would love to establish a water taxi across from Tobermory to Aros Park, which is just a little more than half a mile across the bay.
“Aros Park is possibly one of Tobermory’s greatest assets. It is a lovely facility, lots of our visitors go there. There is still a lovely park and a loch/lake, it is one of the few places in Scotland known as a lake.”
The association is currently speaking to funders about buying the facilities and will then apply for funding to bring them back to life.
Administered by Forestry Commission Scotland, the NFLS lets communities bid to buy or lease national forest land on the basis that this would provide increased public benefits.
Details of the application can be viewed on line at www.forestry.gov.uk/nfls and all comments must be submitted by August 10.
