Regatta confusion

Sir,

There has been much confusion over the return to Tarbert of the 2022 Scottish Series regatta, due to be held from June 3-6; the Clyde Cruising Club has announced that the event will take place similar to previous years, albeit with a different title.

The more precise details of the regatta are being finalised and will be announced soon.

Scottish Series has been Scotland’s premier yachting regatta for many years and has been hosted in Tarbert, Loch Fyne since 1977, and attracts fleets and spectators from across the UK and Ireland.

Tarbert Enterprise Company has responsibility for the shoreside activities during the event and the confusion surrounding the event has been difficult to contend with within the local community.

Having had the Scottish Series cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19, the whole village has been looking forward to welcoming crews and spectators back to Tarbert for one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year.

This confusion, so close to the event, has created uncertainty.

We have accommodation providers who have long-term bookings for Scottish Series now finding, perhaps, the accommodation is empty.

And, as shoreside organisers, we find ourselves with all our preparations in place but with uncertainty which is not of our making.

Tarbert is a resilient community and we will endeavour to make the best of the unfortunate situation we find ourselves in.

We will celebrate the long Platinum Jubilee weekend shoreside, and we welcome anyone who wants to come and have a fun, family weekend in great company to Tarbert.

John Hardie, Tarbert Enterprise Company