The Sound of Iona Harbours Committee works under the auspices of the South West Mull and Iona Development Company to improve the harbour facilities on both sides of the Sound of Iona. The Committee has been working with Argyll & Bute Council, CalMac and other stakeholders to campaign for a new overnight berth for the Iona Ferry in Fionnphort and a more sheltered landing in Iona. This process is at an advanced stage and shortly there should be a public consultation between the Council, Byrne Looby (design engineers) and the public to show the various options for both sides of the Sound. These designs will take into consideration the wave and swell conditions, CalMac skippers’ input, future proofing for the possibility of a larger vessel replacing the MV Loch Buie and local concerns about scale and design. Argyll & Bute are committed to the project and have the finances in place for it. They say it is the number one priority for their piers and harbours strategy due to the health and safety concerns raised by CalMac about the current overnight berth in Bull Hole and ongoing issues with landing at Iona in heavy swell conditions. More information can be found at www.swmid.co.uk