However, because this proposed structure will further reduce the inadequate berthing space for all the other harbour users, objections from fishing, charter yacht and other leisure marine users have been concerted and effective, resulting in a public enquiry held in early February.

Far from being purely opposed to the additional ferry capacity, the other users proposed that this is an opportunity to solve Oban's endemic undercapacity problem and use government and EC resources to provide better berthing for all.

It remains to be seen whether the government, the council, and the ferry company can change gear from a short to a long term solution.