COUNCILLORS have agreed to allocate over £40,000 of bequest funding to create a bridge linking Oban Rugby Club with Mossfield Stadium.
The proposed bridge is set to honour Agnes Angus, who left the money for “purposes of public utility and for the benefit and advantage of the community of Oban”.
An informal arrangement had initially been made for the money to be used to improve Mossfield Stadium, but plans did not progress. Argyll and Bute Council officials have since engaged with local sports clubs on plans.
The new agreement was unanimously made at a meeting of the council’s Oban Lorn and the Isles area committee on Wednesday, September 10.
In a report before the meeting, executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: “The area committee have noted that at a business day meeting in 2018, the distribution of this bequest was considered by its predecessors, and an informal arrangement had been put in place that suggested that the funds be used for improvements to Mossfield Stadium.
“It was further noted that the Mossfield working group (Mossfield Oban Sports and Events Stadium CIC) would work with council officers to bring forward proposals on how this money should be spent and present them to a future meeting of the area committee. The joint working with the Mossfield working group and the council unfortunately did not progress.
“At the area committee meeting of March 2025, the area committee asked that officers bring forward proposals for improvements at Mossfield Stadium, to a future meeting of the Oban Lorn and the Isles area committee, before the end of 2025.
“Officers have explored options for improvements at Mossfield stadium. Through this process, engagement has taken place with members of local sports clubs.”
Priorities were then listed the access bridge as one of three priorities identified through the engagement, along with CCTV at the pavilion and fence repairs.
Ms Flanagan added: “The cost of installing a CCTV system has been estimated at £36,500. It is noted that CCTV could not be monitored regularly by Police Scotland or Argyll and Bute Council and footage would only realistically be utilised after an incident as part of any investigation. The benefits of installing CCTV are therefore unclear other than any potential deterrent effect.
“The costs relating to repairing the boundary fence at Mossfield stadium are continual and ongoing, with vandalism experienced following any repairs. So while investment in the boundary fencing would be beneficial and welcomed it is less likely to result in a lasting legacy of improvement at the site.”
Councillor Julie McKenzie (SNP, Oban North and Lorn) the area committee’s chair, said: “We are not simply spending council money. We are trustees of a charity bequest with specific instructions.
“Agnes Angus did not simply leave money for quick fixes or temporary solutions. She wanted community benefit because she understood lasting change requires thoughtful and strategic investment.
“We made the decision to ring fence this money and then listened to local sports clubs. I understand the frustration about Mossfield’s current condition. The council does not have all the funds to address all the needs.
“The bridge supports multiple organisations and provides the foundations for long-term sustainability. It provides lasting community benefit for the whole of Oban.
“I propose a slight amendment to the recommendation, that we request officers explore the possibility of naming the bridge after Agnes Angus, ensuring her contribution to our community is recognised by all those who use this facility for years to come.”
The amendment was then unanimously agreed by the committee.
