A major construction milestone has been reached at Argyll and Bute Council’s new business park at Oban Airport, with the completion of the steel frame for the main building.
The business park is designed to support the growth of a regional cluster for aviation, engineering and logistics – creating new opportunities for investment and employment in the area.
To mark the milestone, project partners from Argyll and Bute Council, hub North Scotland, and Robertson Construction Northern signed the steel frame ahead of it being enclosed within the building.
A total of 111 tonnes of structural steel has been used to form the frame, representing a significant stage in delivery of the project. The majority of the steel used was produced through electric arc furnace manufacturing, a lower-carbon process that uses high levels of recycled steel.
Located around six miles from Oban on a brownfield site immediately adjacent to Oban Airport, the development includes new infrastructure to support future business growth alongside a purpose-built search and rescue base for Bristow Helicopters.
Earlier this year, Oban Airport was confirmed as one of two seasonal helicopter bases for the operator, supporting emergency response across the west coast and surrounding islands during peak months.
With the steel frame now complete, work will progress to roofing and cladding, followed by internal fit out. Construction is scheduled for completion in December 2026, approximately 12 months after groundworks began, the council said.
Forming part of the council’s tax incremental financing (TIF) pilot project for the Lorn Arc area, the development aims to deliver a fully accessible business park, attract private sector investment, support higher-value employment and help address population decline in Argyll and Bute. The TIF model enables investment in infrastructure to unlock long-term development.
Funding includes £7.7 million from the community regeneration partnership fund, alongside £7.25 million already committed by the council through the TIF fund for infrastructure.
Future phases will support aviation-related growth, including opportunities linked to unmanned aerial vehicle technology, building on recent trials delivering services to remote and island communities.
Community benefits being delivered by Robertson as part of construction include apprenticeships, graduate and work experience placements, school engagement activities and opportunities for the local supply chain.
Argyll and Bute Council leader, councillor Jim Lynch, said, “Developing this business park is about investing in Oban’s long-term future. It is about delivering opportunities for our economy and communities. I welcome this progress.”
Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, added, “This is a landmark stage in what will be a transformational project for Oban Airport and Argyll and Bute Council are to be applauded for their forward-thinking vision.
“This development will act as a catalyst for the business park and help create further opportunities to provide a sustainable and resilient future for the airport site.”
Ian Phillips, regional MD, Robertson Construction Northern, commented, “Reaching this stage of the project represents a significant milestone for the team and our delivery partners. The completion of the steel frame provides a clear visual indication of how the site is taking shape and the role it will play in supporting future growth at Oban Airport.
“Working in close partnership with Argyll and Bute Council and hub North Scotland, we remain committed to delivering a high-quality facility that aligns with the long-term ambitions for the site. With the frame now complete, the project will continue at pace into the next phase of construction.”
