3.7.1	AREA 1 - ISLE OF MAN, NORTH CHANNEL, CLYDE
3.7.1.1	This region is one in which all three General Lighthouse Authorities' (GLAs') areas meet. This part of the report is, therefore, a joint one, with input from all three.
3.7.1.2	This is a busy region and one in which strong tidal streams (up to 6 knots) and poor weather conditions are prevalent. As well as coastal merchant traffic, the Royal Navy operates a major base for submarines and surface vessels in the Upper Clyde and ferry services, many of them high-speed vessels (over 35 knots), serve the Isle of Man and run across the North Channel and the Clyde. The region is well served with AtoN, both fixed and floating.
3.7.1.3	The area has been divided into four sub-areas, together with details of the major proposed changes, these are as follows:
3.7.1.3.1	Isle of Man
3.7.1.3.1.1	Several changes have been identified in this area including the discontinuation of the light and fog signal at the Calf of Man and the fog signal at the Point of Ayre. It is also proposed to increase the light range of Chicken Rock Lighthouse to 21NM and discontinue the fog signal. It is intended to install an AIS Control Station at Douglas Head in conjunction with the Isle of Man Department of Harbours.
3.7.1.3.2	North Channel
3.7.1.3.2.1	Within a radius of 40 miles from Sanda Isle Lighthouse commercial traffic levels comprise some 38,091 movements per annum over 235 routes.
3.7.1.3.2.2	It is proposed to discontinue the light at Killantringan and the fog signal at Mull of Kintyre, but retain the latter building as a daymark. The Mull of Galloway is recommended for a reduction in light range to 22NM.
3.7.1.3.3	Clyde
3.7.1.3.3.1	In the Clyde, there are three lights with ranges of more than 20 miles. These are Turnberry, Pillar Rock (Holy Island Outer) and Davaar.
3.7.1.3.3.2	The lights at Davaar and Holy Island Outer are recommended for a reduction in light range to 18NM. The fog signal at Davaar is also recommended for removal.
3.7.1.3.3.3	The light at Lady Isle is recommended for increase to 10NM, the fitting of AIS and a Racon.
3.7.1.3.3.4	Little Ross unlit beacon to be Lit and synchronised with existing light (A4562) to form a leading light system for approaches to Kirkcudbright Bay and River Dee.
3.7.1.3.4	Loch Ryan
3.7.1.3.4.1	The characters of some buoys have been altered already at the request of the fast-ferry operators and at Cairn Point the light has been returned to Red in line with reports from the users that the white light was less conspicuous after changes in the local road lighting. Proposals from local users and local Authorities have suggested that a Harbour Authority for Loch Ryan could be formed in the future allowing the NLB to investigate handing over any AtoN within the boundary.
3.7.1.4	As regards future navigation and developments in this area, Letters from Argyll and Bute Council and Clydeport Operations have indicated an increase in the tanker traffic for both Hunterston Terminal and the Finnart Oil terminal. The provision of AtoN on these routes meets the demand at present but should be monitored closely.
3.7.1.5	The intention of Stena Fast Ferries to operate from Cairn Ryan in preference to Stranraer will result in much reduced traffic making for the head of the loch, with possibly only leisure traffic using the port. If the Local Authorities were to form a Harbour Authority for the Loch, it would be an opportune time for the NLB to investigate ownership and responsibility of the AtoN in this area.
3.7.1.6	In addition to the specific station changes detailed under 3.7.1.3 above, a number of other changes to unlit beacons and to buoys are proposed. These include:

• Sanda Beacon - This beacon marks the Sanda harbour entrance and has no value to general navigation. It is intended to approach the owner of the island with a view to handover; if this is unsuccessful the beacon will be demolished.
  
• Trench Shoal Beacon - This beacon marks a shoal to the North of the buoyed channel into Campbeltown Loch. It is intended to approach the Town Council with a view to handover; if this is unsuccessful the beacon will be demolished.
  
• Millmore Beacon - This beacon marks a shoal to the South of the buoyed channel into Campbeltown Loch. It is intended to approach the Town Council with a view to handover; if this is unsuccessful the beacon will be demolished.
  
• Lappock Rock Beacon - This beacon marks an inshore rock to the North of Troon and is of value to small craft. It is intended to approach Clydeport with a view to handover.
  
• Brest Rocks Beacon - This beacon marks an inshore rock to the South of Turnberry and is considered of value to small craft. It is intended that this beacon be marked with a 5NM White light flashing 10 seconds
  
• Little Ross Beacon - This beacon forms leading marks with the light on Little Ross; it is intended to light with a 5NM light, synchronised to the main light, to increase the utility of this mark.
  
• Crubon Rock Buoy - This buoy is considered to be of minor navigational significance as the rock is close inshore in Kilbrannan Sound. It is therefore intended to discontinue this buoy station.
  
• Milleur Point Buoy - This buoy is considered to be a prime site for early deployment of AIS for wave and tidal monitoring purposes.
  
• Forbes Shoal Buoy - This buoy is used solely by traffic within Loch Ryan. If a local harbour authority is formed this light should be handed over to same.
  
• Loch Ryan West Buoy - This buoy is used solely by traffic within Loch Ryan. If a local harbour authority is formed this light should be handed over to same.
  
• Spit of Scaur Buoy - This buoy is used solely by traffic within Loch Ryan. If a local harbour authority is formed this light should be handed over to same.
  
• Bahama Bank Buoy - This buoy has been transferred to NLB from THLS as agreed by both parties. The buoy shall have the character changed to Q(6) + LFl 15s and the Fog Bell removed.