The first formal discussion with Marine Harvest eventually happened in March 2016 and it was reported to council that they (Marine Harvest) were “happy to explore the possibility of a sub-lease of the jetty building specifically for community usage”.
At the GCC AGM in June 2016, the chairman announced that discussions were under way regarding the sub-lease of the Marine Harvest shore base for use as a multi-purpose community facility, that GCC would explore the legalities of the lease to ensure the sustainability of the building and the land connected with it, and that a sub group would be set up to progress the project once the lease arrangements are agreed.
Discussion between the GCC chairman and representatives from Marine Harvest concerning the details of how the sub-lease might operate, terms and conditions etc., continued for the remainder of 2016.
By November 2016 the landlords, Loch Shiel Jetties Trust, had consented to the idea in principle, and Marine Harvest had committed to draft a sub-lease agreement for discussion.