Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has welcomed the confirmation by the Transport Minister Nicol Stephen MSP that the Company can begin work on the provision of a second linkspan facility at Oban harbour.

The proposed development was the subject of a Public Local Inquiry in February and CalMac has now been given the go-ahead by the Minister to proceed with the work which will cost up to £3 million.

CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: "CalMac is delighted to be able to begin the detailed planning which is now required to facilitate the provision of the second linkspan. We now look forward to working closely with the other users of Oban harbour to ensure that the best possible solution is provided within the resources which have been allocated. I would expect the detailed planning to begin almost immediately and that we would be on site within the first few weeks of the new year. If everything goes to plan we should be able to complete the work in a period of around ten months which should see us operating the new facility around the end of 2006.

The second linkspan will go a long way towards securing the integrity of the lifeline services we operate out of Oban and the green light for this project enables us to achieve the full potential of the new Oban terminal building which was opened recently. The additional linkspan will offer us a number of options which we can explore and most important of all reduce the congestion which limits us to handling one vessel at a time at the moment. The covered elevated walkways to both linkspans will be of enormous benefit to our customers.

Mr Sinclair continued "this is extremely good news for all the communities served out of Oban and for the town itself. The harbour is a magnificent asset and we are pleased to be playing a key role in its development along with Argyll & Bute Council and other stakeholders to develop a coherent plan which will enable us all to get the best out of the resource."

Ends

Notes for News Editors

1. The proposed second linkspan is an adjustable steel lifting bridge, constructed alongside the pier, for the purpose of allowing road vehicles access from the pier to a car ferry at all tide levels. The linkspan and associated works total nearly £3 million investment.

2. CalMac is the harbour authority for Oban pier. Under the terms of the Harbours Act 1964, the authority must apply for a Harbour Revision Order to grant them the power to build and operate the new linkspan.

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, Caledonian MacBrayne. Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Issued: Thursday, June 16, 2005: 1220