Yakking for Argyll

Argyll & Bute Council have been talking up a major redevelopment of the historic waterfront of the town, and their favoured option is to demolish the pier, which is a listed structure. Particularly galling is that at a public meeting in November last year non-definitive, non-official soundings were taken over 4 possible designs for the redevelopment, all of which, except one, involved the destruction of the pier structure and the lovely buildings which sit atop. These soundings are now being used as definitive public consultations showing a majority of residents prefer to have the thinig knocked down. At the time grave discomfort was expressed by attendees that members of the council were circulating beforehand suggesting audience members ask particular questions and favour particular options. And at the time those members of the audience who expressed concern noted that at some point in the near future the meeting would be used as justification for one of the more radical, heritage trashing options.

I just hope that when Historic Scotland receive the application for listed building consent they throw it out and keep it thrown out. Such vandalism, which seems all too common, must not be tolerated.