Argyll and Bute Council (Oban) Harbour Revision Order 2026 came into force on Friday 23 October 2026, establishing the Council’s wider municipal harbour arrangements for Oban Bay.
Scottish Ministers considered the Council’s application and concluded that it met the requirements of the Harbours Act 1964. They were satisfied that granting the Order would support the efficient and economical improvement, maintenance or management of the harbour, facilitate the transport of goods or passengers by sea, or serve the interests of recreational seagoing vessels.
The finalised Order will be published on the UK Government legislation website as a Scottish Statutory Instrument.
Moving to a statutory harbour authority arrangement is a significant milestone in improving safety in Oban Bay and in supporting all of the communities that Oban Harbour serves - businesses, residents, island communities and visitors.
Councillor Ross Moreland, chair of Argyll and Bute Harbour Board, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultations leading to the submission of the HRO. We undertook extensive engagement throughout the process, which was lengthy, and I think that this was reflected in the decision made by Scottish Ministers to approve the Orders.
“Day-to-day, it should be business as usual. Users of the Oban Bay should see no major operational changes at this time, and we look forward to continuing to develop ways of improving the marine safety and efficiency of the harbour and its environs for the benefit of all users.”
