·   the necessary investigative work has not been completed sufficiently
·    the concerns about noise and increased traffic volumes are unresolved, and
·    the employment opportunities have been exaggerated

In order that the arguments can be examined in detail, Scottish Ministers are to hold a Public Inquiry, led by the Chief Reporter for Scotland.

In line with advice from Reporters, the Community Council is co-ordinating local objectors. In order to do this, a joint action group has been set up. The Public Inquiry is scheduled for four weeks, beginning on January 16^th, and the group is currently preparing the necessary submissions as required by the Public Inquiry process. The Public Inquiry typically requires professional services and legal advice. To keep costs to a minimum the team will carry out as much of the work as possible. However, we will need to raise considerable funds to cover the unavoidable legal costs. We have enlisted the services, at a much reduced rate, of an experienced planning consultant who is well versed in working with communities to help them make themselves heard in these official processes. We were successful last month at the pre-inquiry meeting where we secured a seat at the Inquiry table. We are now formally a “relevant party” in that process and have a right to be heard.

We are confident that the concerns of so many in our community will addressed, but we need your support to achieve this. The joint action group members have experience of relevant industries and professional qualifications in disciplines such as shipping, pilotage, container terminal operation, owning and running a road haulage company, oceanography, and environmental assessment, monitoring and management. They have been working on this in their own time, with no professional or legal support for the last 18 months. In order to take our objections to the next level and continue protecting the way of life that makes our community special, we are now asking for your financial and moral support.