A major construction milestone has been reached at Argyll and Bute Council's new business park at Oban Airport, with the completion of the steel frame for the main building. The development is designed to support a regional cluster for aviation, engineering, and logistics, with the goal of creating new investment and employment opportunities in the area.

To mark the occasion, project partners from Argyll and Bute Council, hub North Scotland, and Robertson Construction Northern signed the steel frame before its enclosure within the building structure.

A total of 111 tonnes of structural steel was used to form the frame. The majority of the steel was produced via electric arc furnace manufacturing, a lower-carbon process that utilises high levels of recycled steel.

Located approximately six miles from Oban on a brownfield site next to Oban Airport, the development features new infrastructure to support future commercial growth alongside a purpose-built search and rescue base for Bristow Helicopters. Earlier this year, Oban Airport was confirmed as one of two seasonal helicopter bases for the operator, supporting emergency response efforts across the west coast and surrounding islands during peak months.

With the steel frame now complete, construction will progress to roofing and cladding, followed by the internal fit-out. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2026, roughly 12 months after groundworks initially commenced.

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The development is being overseen by hub North Scotland on behalf of Argyll and Bute Council, with Robertson Construction serving as the main contractor.

Forming part of the council's Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) Pilot Project for the Lorn Arc Area, the initiative aims to deliver a fully accessible business park, attract private sector investment, support higher-value employment, and help address population decline in Argyll and Bute. The TIF model operates by enabling initial investment in infrastructure to unlock long-term development.

Funding for the scheme includes £7.7 million from the Community Regeneration Partnership Fund, alongside £7.25 million previously committed by the council through the TIF fund for infrastructure. Future phases are intended to support aviation-related growth, including opportunities linked to unmanned aerial vehicle technology, building on recent trials delivering services to remote and island communities.

Community benefits being delivered by Robertson as part of the construction phase include apprenticeships, graduate and work experience placements, school engagement activities, and opportunities for the local supply chain.

Argyll and Bute Council Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: "Developing this business park is about investing in Oban's long-term future. It is about delivering opportunities for our economy and communities. I welcome this progress."

Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said: "This is a landmark stage in what will be a transformational project for Oban Airport and Argyll and Bute Council are to be applauded for their forward-thinking vision.

"This development will act as a catalyst for the business park and help create further opportunities to provide a sustainable and resilient future for the airport site."

Ian Phillips, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Northern, said: "Reaching this stage of the project represents a significant milestone for the team and our delivery partners. The completion of the steel frame provides a clear visual indication of how the site is taking shape and the role it will play in supporting future growth at Oban Airport.

"Working in close partnership with Argyll and Bute Council and hub North Scotland, we remain committed to delivering a high-quality facility that aligns with the long-term ambitions for the site. With the frame now complete, the project will continue at pace into the next phase of construction."