A COMMUNITY harbour group chair has labelled it “astonishing” that an Oban councillor should have to move motions calling for reports on marine facilities in Argyll and Bute.
Phil Hamerton, of Oban Community Harbour Development Association (OCHDA), told councillors that information should be regularly reported to the area’s harbour board.
Councillor Andrew Vennard (Conservative, Oban North and Lorn) moved two motions to the board, one of which sought a report outlining options for the annual performance reporting of piers and harbours.
He also requested a report on additional maintenance costs during the 2025/26 financial year in relation to the council’s piers and harbours. The two motions were unanimously agreed by the board.
Mr Hamerton was allowed to make a deputation at the start of the harbour board’s meeting on Thursday, March 19.
His deputation said: “In addition to the reports which are presented at this meeting of the harbour board, once again Councillor Vennard has submitted motions relating to data which this harbour board, as the responsible authority, should already have and which should be regularly reported on as part of the board’s annual workplan.
“In view of the legal responsibilities which this board has in respect of safety, conservancy and development of Argyll and Bute’s ports and harbours it is extraordinary that a member of the Board should need to make such requests.
“Councillor Vennard’s first motion seeks to establish performance reporting across the council’s marine facilities.
“The council has statutory obligations under best value to have in place performance measures and improvement targets for all services in order to maximise effectiveness by seeking continuous improvement in outcomes.
“That this should have to be the subject of a member’s motion to the board in 2026 is astonishing and will, presumably, be supported by all harbour board members.”
Mr Hamerton added: “The issue of financial oversight, to which Councillor Vennard’s second motion refers, is equally astonishing, particularly at a time of serious pressure on publicly-funded services.
“Today’s report makes clear that the majority of Argyll and Bute’s ports and harbours operate at a loss but gives members little information regarding reasons or possible improvements.
“It is the role of the harbour board, as the legal harbour authority, to prepare accounts which ‘provide a true and fair view of the …financial performance, position and cash flows’ (trust port guidance which applies to municipal ports and harbours).
“It should not be necessary for Councillor Vennard to propose this motion as the issues to which it refers should already have been reported to the harbour authority as a matter of both urgency and significance.”
Councillor Andrew Kain (Independent, Oban South and the Isles) said: “I have heard the same comments from Mr Hamerton on numerous occasions, mentioning all the stakeholders.
“The stakeholders he does not mention are island communities, for whom this is a lifeline service, and I would like that taken into account.
“To Mr Hamerton, is it not the case that you intend, and are driving for, a harbour organisation that suits OCHDA?”
Mr Hamerton responded: “The simple answer is yes, on behalf of all stakeholders, including communities who rely on ferries to and from islands, we wish to see a new harbour authority without undue delay that is fit for purpose, and will provide a platform for future development.”
Councillor Ross Moreland (Liberal Democrat, Dunoon), the board’s chair, added: “You made a few comments about things that should happen, and you are obviously entitled to that opinion.
“But Argyll and Bute Council is an authority run by councillors and operated by officers and lawyers.
“In terms of accounts, you said this is what should or should not happen. That is your opinion, and it is perfectly fine for you to have it, but would you accept that it is not necessarily a fact, but your opinion?”
Mr Hamerton said: “If you look carefully at the legal framework of the Harbours Act 1964, in the port and marine facilities safety code, the framework is clearly laid out.
“I made a comment about the duty of the harbour authority to prepare reports, for example. I am more than happy to clarify if there are any specific areas you would like me to expand upon.”
Later in the meeting, Councillor Vennard’s motions, seconded by Councillor Maurice Corry (Conservative, Lomond North) were agreed without amendment in either case.
An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “The council complies with the Port Marine Safety Code. The PMSC and associated good‑practice guidance emphasises clear governance arrangements, transparent reporting structures [and] evidence‑based accountability for safety performance.
“These are arrangements the council has in place. The proposals agreed by members at the harbour board reflect the council’s plan for revised arrangements in regard to financial and other reporting.”
