Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence intimated.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minutes of the Argyll and Bute Harbour Board held on Thursday 10 September 2020 were approved as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Argyll and Bute Harbour Board held on Thursday 3 December 2020 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

Consideration was given by the Board to a report which provided an update on work being progressed by the Oban Community Harbour Development Association (OCHDA) towards the development of a Trust Port.

Decision

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board;

1.          considered the update concerning the proposed transfer of the Council’s existing powers and responsibilities in Oban Bay to a new Trust Port; and

2.          agreed that a virtual meeting would be organised with all stakeholders concerning the work being progressed by the Oban Community Harbour Development Association (OCHDA) towards the development on a Trust Port following consultation between the Chair and the Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure dated February 2021, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

The Board considered a report which provided an update on ongoing schemes currently being addressed within the Council’s Marine Asset Management Plan.

Decision

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board;

1.            considered the update on ongoing major and noteworthy schemes currently being taken forward via the Council’s Marine Asset Management Plan;

2.            noted that £10.335 million worth of capital words have been programmed for the forthcoming finical year, 2021 to 2022; and

3.            agreed that subject to confirmation of the position of the Craignure Marine Infrastructure Liaison Group, that the Chair and Vice-Chair contact Transport Scotland on behalf of the Board requesting that smaller vessels, similar to the MV Mull, be deployed between Craignure and Oban to provide a higher frequency and lower impact service with shore facilities to an appropriate scale in accordance to the vessels capacity.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure dated February 2021, submitted)

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services

Consideration was given by the Board to a report which provided an update on progress made towards ensuring full compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC).

The Board also heard a presentation by Monty Smedley from ABPmer, the newly appointed Designated Person, concerning the Board’s obligations under the PMSC.

Decision

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board;

1.    considered the report including appendices – the Designated Person’s Report and the latest version of the Marine Safety Plan; and

2.    approved the revised version of the Marine Safety Plan.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure dated February 2021, submitted)

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board Workplan as of September 2020 was before the Board for information.

Decision

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board noted the content of the Draft Argyll and Bute Harbour Board Workplan.

(Reference: Draft Argyll and Bute Harbour Board Workplan dated March 2021, submitted)

The Chair and the Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services paid tribute to the Marine Operations Manager, Stewart Clark, who would be retiring from the Council at the end of March 2021. They outlined Stewart’s achievements over the years and thanked him for his commitment to developing Marine Services.  On behalf of the Council, the Chair wished Stewart all the very best in his retirement.