Caledonian MacBrayne customers using the port of Oban will have state of the art facilities from next summer following the announcement today (Tuesday, December 30) that the Scottish Executive has confirmed the funding package to enable work to begin immediately on the terminal facility.

The three-storey building, which will cost £2million, will be built to the town side of the current terminal building. Work will begin in January and will last for six months. CalMac expects to have the new facility in operation during the summer season.  The current facility will remain in operation until the new building is completed. It will then be demolished and the space used to enhance CalMac’s vehicle marshalling facilities.

Welcoming the announcement by Minister of Transport Nicol Stephen MSP, Caledonian MacBrayne Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “I am delighted that we will be able to begin work on the new terminal facility which will transform the CalMac experience at Oban. We operated three major vessels out of Oban last summer and our facilities were stretched to the limit. The new building will offer customers enhanced comfort and space and enable us to offer a much more attractive ambience. The building will be fully compliant with the requirements of customers with limited mobility and will also include a secure area for the transfer of passengers to cruise liners and other visitors to the harbour. This is tremendous news for Oban and a great start to the new year for CalMac.”

Mr Sinclair also confirmed that CalMac has reappraised its position on the proposed second linkspan for Oban and will now be going ahead with a new Harbour Order application to try and secure speedy resolution to the application. Mr Sinclair added: “The continued delay to the second linkspan proposal is a continued source of frustration to us and the island communities dependent on our lifeline services. We are asking the communities and users to support the plan for the angled linkspan which we presented to the fishermen’s representatives in Oban on November 14. This is the best plan which can be produced given the limitations of the space and finance available and it is now in everyone’s interests to proceed without delay. We have Argyll&Bute Council’s support, and, we believe, the support of the majority involved on a daily basis. If we can get the second linkspan installed quickly, together with the new terminal facility, Oban will have a complete set of first class ferry facilities, much more in keeping with the aspirations and requirements of our customers.”