This has been contested by the Crown Estate for some time and matters came to head in late March when CE attempted to regularise the mooring situation, and met the usual resistance, which has unexpectedly been backed by Argyll & Bute Council.

Susan Mair, the Council's legal officer, told Boating Business : "This issue has been ongoing for years, and we intend to defend our property rights under the Rothesay Charter. Once we have counsel's opinion we will decide on a course of action." If the Crown wins, the denizens of Bute will be subject to the same mooring charges as everyone else.

If A&BC defeat the Crown, they will be bound by the Charter to offer Butemen free moorings.

There will be no revenue to recompense their legal costs, so the Council cannot win.

The Rothesay Charter controversy may mean free moorings in the future, but until the question is settled coastal projects, like the new Port Bannatyne Marina, which is on the point of being constructed, may be halted in their tracks for lack of a landlord.