RYA magazine for members
Spring 2008 - Cruising News
SCOTLAND - OBAN HARBOUR
Developments in Oban are gathering some momentum. Until now this
excellent harbour and crew-change point has been notable for its
lack of facilities for yachts.
The boatyard on the island of Kerrera, close to the mainland,
has greatly expanded and offers a wide range of facilities but
there has been little incentive for passing yachts to pause and
take advantage of this fine harbour and the communications by
rail, sea and now air, offered by Oban.
The recent formation of Oban Bay Marine (OBM), a not-for-profit
limited company, has acted as a focus for some interesting and
hopeful developments. They intend to have sixteen visitors'
moorings in place by the spring, and this alone will make the
bay more attractive to passing yachts.
However, working with Argyll and Bute Council, OBM set about
trying to improve the facilities within the bay and provide safe
and convenient access for crews and passengers to the benefits
of the surrounding area.
The local MSP is also the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and
Tourism and has been very supportive of these efforts. He will
shortly chair a stakeholders meeting directed to establishing
the aims and aspirations of all local interests.
Plans to establish a significant number of pontoon berths behind
a floating concrete breakwater close to the existing piers have
been brought under the guidance of OBM.
A period of great opportunity and challenge is about to develop
in Oban Bay and we wish OBM every success.