Agenda and minutes

Prior to the start of the meeting it had been agreed to move the venue to Committee Room 1 in order to accommodate a seminar in the Chambers.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillor Julie McKenzie.

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

Minutes of the Argyll and Bute Harbour Board held on Thursday 19 January 2017

The Minutes of the Argyll and Bute Harbour Board held on Thursday 19 January 2017 were approved as a correct record.

Presentation by Paul Bancks, Asset Manager - The Crown Estate

A presentation was heard by the Board from Paul Bancks, Asset Manager and Alex Adrian Aquaculture Operations Manager, from the Crown Estate on the devolution of operations and assets to the interim management board of Crown Estate Scotland.  Discussion focused on marine and leisure tourism and communities; aquaculture; business management; lease options and rental arrangements.

Decision

The Harbour Board thanked the Crown Estate for their informative presentation and agreed that a copy would be circulated to all Members.

(Reference: Presentation by the Crown Estate dated 23 March 2017)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

Member gave consideration to a report  providing an update on ongoing initiatives to ensure compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) noting that the PMSC applies to all harbour authorities in the UK that have statutory powers and duties representing good practice, as recognised by a wide range of industry stakeholders. 

The Board discussed that in order to comply with the Code, harbour authorities must publish a comprehensive safety plan, along with a regular assessment, showing the authority’s performance against the plan.  It was noted that each port and harbour in Argyll and Bute has a separate Port Emergency Plan.

Decision

The Board;

a)    noted the report;

b)    endorsed the draft Marine Safety Plan subject to inclusion of a reference to the Port Emergency Plan and clarification of the Marine Safety management system; and

c)    recorded its gratitude to the Marine Operations Manager and the Harbour Masters in the work undertaken to inform and assist the Harbour Board Members.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure dated 23 March 2017, submitted)

Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services

A report providing an update on the work carried out to date by the Oban Harbour Management Group (OHMG) was considered by Members which explained possible options for the future management of the waters of Oban Bay.

Decision

The Harbour Board;

a)    noted the report; and

b)    noted that the Council must ensure continuing unfettered access to the North Pier and the transit berthing facility.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure dated 23 March 2017, submitted)

The Argyll and Bute Harbour Board considered the outline work plan to facilitate forward planning of reports to the Harbour Board.

Decision

The Harbour Board noted the work plan.

(Reference: Harbour Board Work Plan dated 23 March 2017, submitted)

The Chair expressed her thanks to all Members and Officers in their help and support in moving forward the agenda of Argyll and Bute Harbour Board.