Part of UK's first Sea Life Centre could be demolished

Plans have been submitted for the demolition of the café and shop buildings at what was the UK's first Sea Life Centre near Oban.

Gael Force Properties and Investments Ltd have submitted a notice for demolition to Argyll and Bute Council for the derelict café and shop buildings at Barcaldine.

The Sea Life Sanctuary, as it became known, closed permanently in October 2018, nearly 40 years after it first opened. It is stated in documents submitted with the application that demolition is proposed to "make way for a new development".

Council officers are expected to rule on the application by mid-January, with the plans available to be viewed online.

In 2018, the sanctuary stated it had reached the "enormously tough" decision to close due to declining visitor numbers. It added there was no loner a viable way to "sustain the significant investment that is required in order to keep the sanctuary open".

It had opened in 1979 and was home to seals, otters and map turtles, among others.

In a statement, planning agents Northern Lights Consulting Ltd said: "The works will comply with all relevant legislation, best practice guidelines, and contract requirements."

It added that the works would involve the demolition and removal of the café and shop buildings, and the removal of internal furniture and fittings.

To view the plans, visit the council's planning portal and use the reference number 25/02127/PNDEM.

Story by Local Democracy reporter Andrew Galloway.