Work on a visitor centre redevelopment project on Oban's North Pier in Argyll and Bute is now complete.

The new maritime visitors facility has now been handed over by TSL Contractors to the council.

The project forms part of an overall £3.1 million CHORD investment in Oban and provides a dedicated changing area with toilets, showers and lockers, a harbourmaster’s office, as well as a commercial space on the ground floor for rent.

Council Leader Aileen Morton said: "This wonderful new facility complements the pontoons and will benefit the whole of the west coast marine industry for years to come.

"The pontoons are already having a positive impact, with approximately 5,000 visitors coming ashore during the first two months of operation, despite being the end of the season.

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"Not only has this benefitted local businesses, but it has also shown Oban to be a first class destination for cruise passengers and other marine tourism.It is great to see everything coming together."

Depute Council Leader Gary Mulvaney added: "There has been a substantial investment in Oban over the last few years, with the regeneration of the town centre and the maritime development.

"This has been a seamless example of partnership working with a local company, bringing the project in on time and in budget.

"The new North Pier Harbour Building will add to Oban as a key sailing destination, and the town and surrounding area can look forward to reaping the financial benefits it will bring in the years ahead."

TSL Contractors General Manager, John Forbes, said that projects such as the maritime visitors facility provided much needed local opportunities enabling the business to thrive and provide well paid jobs to over 120 skilled technical and managerial staff.

"The project presented some unique challenges and key to the success was being able to work closely with the council and their professional project team," he said.

(LM/MH)