BUSINESSES in Dunoon have been given the go-ahead to advertise their services and products on railings alongside the ferry terminal.
It comes after months of discussion with Dunoon Presents, Argyll and Bute Council and individual businesses.
The so-called “fire site” in the centre of Argyle Street already hosts opportunities for advertising. This latest initiative opens opportunities on the railings leading to and from the ferry terminal.
The director of Dunoon Presents, Colin Moulson, said he was delighted the space had been agreed. He told this newspaper it is import to post quality signage in the area, which like the fire-site, would be “self-policing”.
He said it is a strategic addition to advertising opportunities for local businesses.
The owner of St Ives boutique hotel and Goyo! Sweet shop in Dunoon, Lesley Stott, said she welcomed any opportunity to advertise her business, but is disappointed with the ferry railings.
She said: “We’ve worked on this all summer and this is the result? It’s something, but it’s not the best outcome.”
Lesley Stott added she was “not convinced” she would spend money to take an advertising spot on the ferry railings.
Argyll and Bute Council has agreed to the use of the railings by the ferry. Colin Moulson said its use would be monitored to ensure it is not abused.
A council spokesman noted: “For the safety of pedestrians and road users, there are strict national guidelines regarding the placement of advertising signs and banners. It is an offence under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to place obstructions, including unauthorised signs, within the road boundary.
“Advertising signs and banners erected on a public road (including pavements and verges) without the council’s consent are considered unauthorised and may be removed without notice.”
There are civic notice boards in place at Argyll Gardens that are used primarily by community groups to promote their meetings and events and a new digital community board outside the Queen’s Hall.
