Festival of Sea: Why we are holding it!

Oban's climate, geography, history, heritage and employment are defined by the sea.

This festival aims to recognise this relationship in celebration and with pride.

Specific festival objectives:

1. To increase awareness of the importance of the sea on a local, regional and global scale

2. To engender pride and stewardship in the community towards their local marine environment

3. To excite young audiences about careers based around the sea and in science

4. To provide a discussion forum on how to manage multiple and conflicting uses of the sea

5. To empower participants to understand and question latest advances in marine research

6. To increase public perception of Oban as a location for the marine environment, marine research and education

Management of the Festival of the Sea

The Festival of the Sea is an idea of the Scottish Association for Marine Science, developed during a precursor project - 'Towards a Marine Science Festival in Argyll' funded by the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The Festival is overseen by a steering committee:

Cllr Neil MacKay (Argyll & Bute Council)

Marina Curran-Colthard (Argyll and Bute Council)

Mark Stewart (Argyll and Bute Council)

Linda Battison (Oban & Lorn Tourism Association)

Finlay Wells (Nutshell Music)

Norman Bissell (Geopoet, Isle of Luing)

Iain Fulton (Oban High School)

Derek Gorrie (UHI STEM Co-ordinator)

Helen McNeill (Scottish Association for Marine Science)

Dr Anuschka Miller (Scottish Association for Marine Science)

The festival is organised by two members of the SAMS communications team: Helen McNeill (coordinator) and Dr Anuschka Miller (director).

Contact details

Festival of the Sea organisers

Scottish Association for Marine Science

Scottish Marine Institute

Oban

Argyll PA37 1QA

T: 01631 559000

E: Helen.McNeill@sams.ac.uk