Oban Marina – Marine Science Festival of the Sea Open Day

by J2 Communcations on 28 Apr 2010 Oban Marina is once again hosting several regattas and events during the coming months as well as a great new initiative in association with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).

The ‘Oban Marina Festival of the Sea Open Day’ will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 31st May and will be the culmination of a fantastic 10-day programme of events based around the sea. Starting at 11am until 4pm, a complimentary 63-seater shuttle service will run from North Pier, Oban. Everyone will be welcome to this great day out to celebrate the marine environment.

As well as a boat trip around the salmon fish farms owned by Scottish Sea Farms (Marks & Spencer’s famous salmon), visitors will be able to sample delicious local seafood served in the Waypoint Seafood Grill & Bar or tantalize their taste buds with a spit roast if that’s more to their liking. There’s live music and a bar plus plenty to see and do for all ages.

With 20 interesting specialist stalls and displays, there will also be talks and displays on the marina’s heritage as a World War Two seaplane base and the unveiling of a new living sculpture with plenty of local history: A fully restored Sunderland Seaplane engine has been donated by the War and Peace Museum and will now take pride of place on display as visitors come ashore.

Its unveiling will take place on the day and is sure to create a talking point for future visitors to the marina for years to come. The Oban Lifeboat and several other historic boats will also be on display during the day and visitors will be allowed on board to take a look around.

General Manager, Susan Deacon explains: “We are pleased to be involved in this wonderful event and part of the SAMS Marine Science Festival. With our close and important links to the sea, sailors and boating, the history of our marina and marine environment, we are pleased to invite visitors to experience the fantastic natural resource on our doorstep and offer visitors a great day out which is free as well. All we need is the weather on our side.”

Helen McNeill, of Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) comments: “We are thrilled that Oban Marina have enthusiastically embraced the festival. This new initiative aims to bring together Oban's children, businesses and organisations with marine scientists to create an exciting programme of events for both locals and visitors to Argyll to celebrate our stunning marine environment. It will be a great day out.”