CAMPBELTOWN Fish Quay could be set to close in five to seven years time if it is not replaced or repaired.
The state of the pier, which is essential for Campbeltown’s fishing industry, was exposed at the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islands area committee meeting last week after Councillor Rory Colville asked for a report regarding the deteriorating condition of the fish quay.
The report highlighted that without further work on the quayside the life of the pier will be limited to between five and seven years, with an overall lifespan of the structure of 45 years.
Although there are elements of the Old Quay which have been renewed through the council’s capital programme over the last 20 years, the Fish quay has outstanding repairs to be met.
Councillor Rory Colville said: ‘My preferred option is for this section to be completely renewed rather than be patched up. As well as this area of the Old Quay, 125 metres on the inner face which is directly outside the Harbour Master’s office also remains outstanding.’
The Fish Quay berth has had a number of inspections over the past few years starting in 1998 which revealed severe corrosion at different tide levels.
The committee agreed that the report will now go forward as part of the best value for money option to be identified in the Business Case for Piers and Harbours which is coming to the executive committee later this summer
Councillor John Semple said: ‘Harbour infrastructure is vital for the economic future of Campbeltown and fishing is an important aspect of that. The fishing quay is of national importance and as such it will be a priority for Argyll and Bute Council. I will work with my coalition colleagues to see its future is assured.’
Councillor Donald Kelly said: ‘The council must treat this issue as a priority and I fully expect to see an outline business case coming before the executive committee of the council before the end of the year.’
