Plans to develop a new business park and search and rescue base at Oban Airport have moved forward after Argyll and Bute Council signed a contract to deliver the project.
The council has appointed hub North Scotland to oversee the development, with Robertson Construction Ltd confirmed as the main contractor responsible for delivering the new infrastructure and facilities.
The project will see the creation of a new search and rescue base alongside wider work to prepare plots for future aviation and business development at the airport.
Oban Airport has been selected as one of two new seasonal helicopter bases for Bristow Helicopters Ltd due to its location and quick access to Scotland’s west coast and surrounding islands.
The base will strengthen search and rescue coverage during the busy summer months when visitor numbers across the Highlands and west coast increase significantly.
Bristow Helicopters has now agreed terms with the council to operate from the new base at Oban Airport.
One aircraft will operate from the site between April and September each year as part of the seasonal service.
The second seasonal helicopter base will operate from Carlisle.
Funding for the Oban search and rescue base was secured by Argyll and Bute Council through the UK Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership Fund.
Argyll and Bute Council Leader Jim Lynch said the contract signing represented an important milestone in the wider development of the airport.
“The formal signing of contracts is great news and another milestone for our ambitious plans for the Oban Airport Business Park.
“We’d like to welcome Bristow Helicopters Ltd, to Oban Airport as they start vital search and rescue operations from their base at the airport.
“We’re proud to be able to facilitate public service aviation and help support emergency services.
“Working with hub North Scotland and Robertson Construction, we’ll continue to develop additional plots for businesses on site and create innovative aviation opportunities in the heart of Argyll and Bute.”
Richard Park, Chief Executive of hub North Scotland, said the development could play a key role in attracting future investment to the area.
“The business park project will be transformational for Oban Airport and the surrounding area.
“It will act as a catalyst for further investment and help create a sustainable and resilient future for the site.”
Ian Phillips, Regional Managing Director at Robertson Construction Northern, said the project represents an important step in the long term development of the airport.
“This project represents an important step in the long term development of Oban Airport.
“The new business park and search and rescue facility will provide key infrastructure to support increased aviation activity and attract future investment.
“With Bristow Helicopters confirmed as the first tenant, the project highlights the site’s potential and is expected to attract further aviation and related businesses to the area, supporting jobs and economic growth.”
Ian McCabe from Bristow Helicopters said the new facilities will strengthen the company’s ability to respond to emergencies during the busy tourist season.
“Our experience has demonstrated just how important this base will be during the summer months.
“Every year we see thousands of people flock to the Highlands and west coast of Scotland, and every year we see an increasing requirement for our emergency support.
“These new facilities at Oban Airport mean we are better prepared than ever to offer a lifesaving response on behalf of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.”
The wider Oban Airport Business Park forms part of the council’s Tax Incremental Financing pilot project for the Lorn Arc area.
The initiative allows the council to reinvest a proportion of business rates from the area to fund infrastructure development designed to attract new companies and support local employment.
