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THA opens a new addition to the existing pontoon |
Tobermory Harbour is undergoing a major facelift thanks to a ground-breaking deal between The Crown Estate and Tobermory Harbour Association.
The Crown Estate is purchasing two pontoons that will be leased back to the Tobermory Harbour Association (THA) for management under commercial lines. At the same time The Crown Estate is contributing to a new information and education facility within the visitor centre of the harbour's main building, currently under construction and due for completion in spring 2008.
The building will also offer much improved facilities to both local and visiting boat crews, as well as offices and a conference room for local business. Overall, the new building and additional pontoon berthing will serve to reinforce Tobermory's reputation as a premier sailing destination in Scotland.
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The removal of the rock from the sea-bed takes some serious work. |
Speaking about The Crown Estate's role in the development, Ian Pritchard, Head of Scottish Marine Estate said: "We are delighted to play a part in this exciting investment at Tobermory. This community development will further improve the harbour's existing facilities and help attract additional leisure and tourism trade from the sailing community. Local residents will also gain from the improvements, making local events like regattas easier to manage.
"This is our first investment along these lines. We expect this to be the beginning of a long-term relationship with THA and are confident this development will be a great success."
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The new pontoon arrives in Tobermory ready for construction |
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Under the terms of the agreement, capital investment of £260,000 will allow for the purchase of new and existing pontoons. The pontoons will then be leased back to THA under a long-term arrangement that also grants the group management and control of the surrounding area.
Additionally a grant from The Crown Estate's marine stewardship fund will help create an education and information display area in the visitor centre within the harbour's main building.
This will feature information about marine conservation and management projects in the region, including the work of The Crown Estate. The visitor facility will also be made available to local community groups wanting to present temporary displays. |
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Chair of THA, Brian Swinbanks, said: "The Crown Estate has advised and supported the THA for 24 years and now this superb investment will secure our future, helping us realise our plans to build 21st century facilities in and alongside Tobermory Harbour.
"The investment will immediately benefit both the local community and our visitors alike. In the long-term these superb new facilities will stimulate links across the water to other islands, towns and villages that, like Mull, are also dependent on the sea for trade and tourism.
"The agreement with The Crown Estate also gives us long-term seabed security which is enthusiastically welcomed by the entire Board of Directors." |
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Construction of the new pontoon gets underway |
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New pontoon is already a favourite with visitors |
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Other partners in the development of the landside regeneration of Tobermory harbour include:
The Big Lottery - Growing Community Assets programme,
HIE Argyll and the Islands, Argyll and Bute Council,
Scottish Land Fund,
Community Land Unit and Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative.
The harbour building will comprise a visitor centre, toilets, showers, laundry facilities and offices for THA and rental |
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