The North Pier Pontoons in Oban.
The proposed creation of a transit marina on Arran could not have come at a better time, with marine and conservation tourism two of the biggest grow-ing sectors in the industry. Arran Economic Group (AEG) says private finance would be needed to get the scheme off the ground, but public funds should also be available. The facility, built from the existing breakwater, would be similar in appearance to the new £2.5million North Pier pontoons in Oban which were financed by Argyll and Bute Council, the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The pontoons, which opened last August, are expected to boost the local economy by £25million over the next 20 years.