The official handover of the keys to a new maritime visitors’ facility on Oban’s North Pier has taken place.

The centre is part of an overall £3.1 million CHORD investment in Oban and provides a dedicated changing area with toilets, showers and lockers, a harbourmaster’s office, as well as a commercial space on the ground floor for rent.

Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, and Policy Lead for Economic Development, Councillor Aileen Morton, said: “This wonderful new facility complements the pontoons and will benefit the whole of the west coast marine industry for years to come.

“The pontoons are already having a positive impact, with approximately 5,000 visitors coming ashore during the first two months of operation, despite being the end of the season.

“Not only has this benefitted local businesses, but it has also shown Oban to be a first class destination for cruise passengers and other marine tourism. It is great to see everything coming together.”

Depute Leader of the council, and Policy Lead for Finance, Councillor Gary Mulvaney, agreed: There has been a substantial investment in Oban over the last few years, with the regeneration of the town centre and the maritime development.

“This has been a seamless example of partnership working with a local company, bringing the project in on time and in budget.

“The new North Pier Harbour Building will add to Oban as a key sailing destination, and the town and surrounding area can look forward to reaping the financial benefits it will bring in the years ahead.”

Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, Councillor Elaine Robertson, said: “This is an exciting time for Oban. The town is already seeing the benefits of the new pontoons, with hundreds of visitors coming ashore and spending money in our shops and restaurants.

“The opening of this wonderful new North Pier Harbour Building will strengthen that, and will encourage even more visitors to the area by offering high quality facilities.”

TSL Contractors General Manager John Forbes said that projects such as the maritime visitors facility provided much needed local opportunities enabling the business to thrive and provide well paid jobs to over 120 skilled technical and managerial staff.

“The project presented some unique challenges and key to the success was being able to work closely with the council and their professional project team,” he said.