CalMac ferry funnel painted on Oban trig point sparks controversy
Revamp for former map surveying landmark prompts both praise and condemnation
A miniature CalMac ferry funnel has appeared on a hilltop overlooking Oban - the handiwork of an artist who painted it on a former Ordnance Survey trig point.
However, the new look for the landmark on 148m-high Cruach Soroba has been criticised by a CalMac crew member as “visual pollution”, while it was also condemned as “vandalism”.
Diane Maxwell, who posted pictures of the “funnel” on her Diane’s Outdoors Adventures page on Facebook, praised CalMac fan Harry Forbes for creating it.
Ms Maxwell told The Scotsman: “The views have been created since the trees were felled this last year, making it a perfect location looking down onto the bay to watch the ferries coming in and out of the pier and around the island of Kerrera.
“It’s my new favourite ferry-watching spot now.
“I think he absolutely deserves the praise. It’s an amazing job and very neat and tidy.
“He's taken the time and precision with all the details. He repaired a crack and chip off the top of it also.
“We believe these pillars should be kept in good condition. Having been there for 80 years, surely it would be good for them to be around another 80 years and have people enjoy them and the outdoors.”
Neil MacNeill, responding to her post, said: “As a trig bagger, I approve. Since they’re all redundant now and not looked after by OS, [it] is good to see them being looked after, and an artistic paint job is infinitely better than some ned tagging.”
Julie Lucas said: “Fantastic job - also looks like some great views.”
However, the move was criticised by others.
Brad Jones said: “Trig points should be left or at most preserved in the white as previously done earlier this year.
“It’s nothing against CalMac, I appreciate the enthusiasm especially as a crew member myself, but does this really belong in nature, somewhere with such an incredible 360 [degree] view?
“Albeit a very tidy job, it is visual pollution! Can’t we just enjoy watching the vessels come and go without leaving our mark.”
Jamie Swanson said: “No a fan, opens the floodgates and implies the trig pillars are open house to anyone who wants to paint them. Will we see political livery in the run up to the next election?”
David Dowling said: “Hideous. Leave personal vanity at home - this is vandalism, nothing more.”
Trig points, or triangulation pillars, were previously used by Ordnance Survey (OS) for map surveying and have become popular with hillwalkers.
An OS spokesperson said: “We no longer rely on trig pillars for modern surveying and mapping and do not routinely inspect, maintain or restore them.
“While we recognise their historical importance, trig pillars are generally located on land owned by others, and responsibility for the land rests with the relevant landowner.
“Anyone considering the restoration, repair, removal or relocation of a trig pillar should contact the landowner first to obtain permission and notify us so that any mapping, heritage or record-keeping implications can be considered.
“If a trig pillar is damaged or presents a potential safety concern, the landowner should be contacted in the first instance and OS informed. Any action by OS will be considered on a case-by-case basis.”
CalMac declined to comment.
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