Last Updated on November 8, 2024 by Phil Hamerton
As of this morning (7th November) we understand that Transport Scotland will be referring the current ‘stalemate’ to Scottish Ministers for consideration. This follows A&BC’s decision not to make a further representation on the matter. We have no idea how long the process may take having been advised by Transport Scotland that “there is a great deal of information to consider, along with the various procedures which must be followed, before a response can be provided” but it seems unlikely to any time soon!
This is in the context of the continuing lack of clarity over the proposed limits of the Harbour Authority, particularly in relation to the land and buildings which will be included. It is conceivable that, if the powers requested are granted, photographing a family visit to see the SS Waverley on the N Pier next May might lead to action by A&BC and posting any such photograph on social media might be construed as illegal!
At the same time the Information Commissioner has, again, given instructions to the Council about publishing objections and they have a week to comply fully.
The OCHDA Committee will meet next week and we shall consider how we can best attempt to make sure that all stakeholders’ interests are properly considered by Scottish Ministers as they decide what the next step in this saga are to be. We can only hope that the Government’s encouragement of engagement, honesty and transparency are at the heart of their decision-making to a greater extent than has been evident in the Council’s decision-making. It remains the case that our elected Councillors have not been briefed regarding the objections and are actively discouraged from asking questions.