As Oban residents we would like to say how much we appreciate having the OCC minutes available on your excellent web site and also the fact that everyone is welcome to come and listen at OCC meetings and to participate in items of particular interest.

I did appreciate coming along to a meeting some time ago. At that time members of the public were only allowed to comment at the end of the meeting. I wonder whether this restriction still applies at Oban CC meetings, and whether it is usual practice at meetings of other CCs. It can be difficult to retain the hearers’ attention on a topic that has gone “cold”, and it might be better if members of the public were allowed (at the Chairman’s discretion) to comment at the end of each item.

Did anyone get interviewed recently about accommodation in Cowal ?

There is a study being done ( see extract below ), and I wondered how many accommodation owners in the area had been involved

The tourist accommodation market in Dunoon and Cowal is of major significance to the economy and a key sector in strategic planning for the future growth of the tourism industry. The absence of comprehensive, up-to-date market intelligence on tourism accommodation provision across the broad range of different markets has been highlighted as an issue affecting planning and investment decision-making for all industry stakeholders.



To address this, Tourism Resources Company (TRC) have been commissioned by the steering committee to undertake a full audit of the supply of tourist accommodation in the Dunoon and Cowal area.

Great news - CalMac have re-opened dialogue about ferry services to Bute. This is very much to be welcomed after a long hiatus. There is still a lot to be discussed – a review of ticket choice and pricing; car parking at Wemyss Bay; communication particularly at times of disruption; redevelopment of Wemyss Bay and of course daily service which includes issues such as crossing time; frequency and length of sailing day.
This is the 5th year of Bute Ferry Users – during this time we have raised many issues small and large. We have received great support from the community. We have achieved some small changes with CalMac. We are planning a meeting on Friday 19th April at 7pm in the Pavillion. Please come along – it is important that the proposals put forward by CalMac are examined in detail and a considered response is given back to each. Even if you are not a member of BFUG, you are most welcome. These issues impact on us all.
I am pleased to let you know that CalMac have contacted First Rail in support of BFUG request for ferry users to have the same park & ride access as rail users. This is an important issue for commuters from the island especially for those whom rail transport is not a viable option. The additional cost currently incurred has forced commuters to make a choice of leaving the island permanently. I would also urge our elected representatives to bring pressure to bear on this issue.
I am delighted to let you know that a proposal for a 50 journey car + drive ticket on Wemyss Bay crossing has, at last, been put forward. The proposal is a price for 50 car journeys (equivalent to 5 X 10 journeys) however cost of driver will be saved. This is an issue we have raised many times – there are many island ferry users that travel frequently with car who will benefit from this proposal, particularly local businesses crossing over for stock however it will also benefit regular service/goods providers travelling to the island. Is this proposal one that you welcome?
A request for a family return ticket is still being looked at however we have suggested something simple such as a ticket that provides carriage for 4 or 6 persons – example has a minimum of 1 adult (maximum of 2 adults) and up to 4/5 children. This would encourage family day trippers to the island and provide a very welcome discount for island families who need/want to travel off. For island residents we would like to see the winter pricing stay all year round. What would you like to see put in place?
We have asked that a ferry pass for pensioners is considered to save the trundle back and forth to the ticket office each trip. This is not in the gift of CalMac – we need support to take on Transport Scotland. Is this important to you?
On the matter of the daily service – the proposal that has been put forward is an hourly service. There is more behind this headline! A reduction of 2 sailings per day and the late sailing is only an additional 15 minutes. It is important that the detail of the proposal is looked at – not just from the perspective of benefits to some individuals but the benefits for all users to and from the island. It is important that the perils are understood. Remember CalMac are a commercial company, there is undoubtedly benefits for them in this proposal. Are there any conflicts between what they want to achieve and the needs of this community?
What is absolutely fantastic is the new stance, and is very welcome, CalMac are interested in improving the service and have indicated that with community approval (and ministerial backing) they can and will make changes. What should these changes look like?
Let’s not just say yeah or nay to a headline – let’s have a proper debate about what we need and ensure that we put a proposal back for their consideration. We have asked for later sailings particularly in the summer months. We have asked for earlier morning sailings at the weekends throughout the year. We have raised the issue of crossing time – remember we were promised a 30 minute crossing with the arrival of the new boats! So yes, let’s look at an hourly service but with our sights firmly set on service improvements that benefit the whole community.
Finally anyone who travelled on the 9.30am from Rothesay last Saturday must now truly appreciate the urgency of having Wemyss Bay redeveloped with breakwater. It is completely unacceptable the number of times we are now diverting to Gourock with high tide as much as a problem as weather. After spending over an hour getting to Gourock, we then had to wait a further 50 minutes before docking whilst the Adrossan boat left and priority was given to the Gourock sailing which came in and left. Communication was poor before and during the crossing and when several passengers asked for complaints form they were given a very inadequate feedback booklet. More than a few simply stayed on board for the return trip, which I am told was very calm.
All of these issues will be discussed at our meeting, please come along and have your say.

hello,
we come every year to strachur and have meet some lovely people.
when we first arrived we meet marcus who we will never forget,he is the reason we keep coming back.we always call in to see isabel at the old coach house.
sir charles has also made us really welcome when we stay at garden cottage.
we have been to stay at all seasons and love the place.
this year we are coming to stay for christmas and new year,so hope to meet more of the locals.
so bye for now and thank you all for making us so welcome.
jeannett,gareth and kane

With the establishment of a Local Action Group (LAG) and the focus of recent Argyll Funding HUB deliberations being on how to access funding from European sources, organisations are invited to make contact with John Davidson at Islay and Jura CVS john.davidson@ijcvs.org.uk or telephone 01496 810743 to let him know what projects they have in mind which would benefit from funding support.

New to Argyll Communities is this talkboard where you can air your views on anything - so lets hear from you on what bugs you, what pleases you and what keeps you amused. Click on "reply" to keep within the topic or on the "create new thread" button to start a new topic.