The proposed barrier, which would have been topped with barbed wire, had been universally condemned by local politicians, business owners and members of the public on Bute and beyond since the plans were revealed in The Buteman three weeks ago.
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enior officials and elected members of Argyll and Bute Council, which owns the pier, met on Tuesday to discuss the need for the fence and quickly came to the conclusion that there was no need for a permanent barrier.
Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, the authority's transportation spokesperson, "We have now had the opportunity to review the Department for Transport directive on security fencing and have concluded that there is no requirement for a permanent fence.
"I confirm that there is now no question of our erecting a permanent structure – it simply is not going to happen."
The question of safety and security of passengers coming off ferries and cruise ships hasn't entirely gone away, though Cllr MacIntyre said the authority was now "seeking to agree a measured approach in full consultation with local members".
The council officials overseeing the redevelopment of the pier and inner harbour had wanted the fence put up along the entire length of the pier, from just behind the entrance to the moorings at the west end to the eastern face along the Albert Pier, between July 22 and August 18.
Three metre high steel posts would have been separated by sheets of welded steel mesh, with three strands of barbed wire along the top - a design which prompted our readers, with varying degrees of criticism, scorn and incredulity, to offer comparisons with Alcatraz, Colditz, Guantanamo Bay and other such security compounds.
Bute councillor Robert Macintyre, who is also Argyll and Bute's depute leader, said: "I am reassured after today's meeting that the confusion that had existed has now been cleared up.
"I would like to thank the people in Rothesay for their strong reaction to the original proposal for a totally unnecessary structure."
His fellow island councillor, Isobel Strong, who was also present at Tuesday's talks, added: "I am delighted that common sense has prevailed and that tourists will not be confronted with an intimidating fence."
Tim Saul, the chairman of Isle of Bute Marketing and Tourism Ltd, said: "This is a very welcome development - perhaps common sense has prevailed after a fleeting instance of insanity."
