Cairndow sails towards marine tourism with pontoons project plan

The development of a new pontoon at Cairndow on Loch Fyne has taken a positive step forward with the creation of Cairndow Mooring Association.

It has taken nine years since the idea was first mooted as part of the Cairndow Community Development Plan 2015 to get to this stage.

But in the intervening time, a site has been identified south of the war memorial, plans have been drawn up, land has been donated and planning permission given for a pontoon at the location of the old jetty “MacKellors Quay”.

The site is described as “perfect” with appropriate shelter and depth and the design is for a floating pontoon similar to Strachur, 50 metres long with a hammerhead, four anchors and a concrete block to shore.

And on Sunday March 24 at a well-attended meeting in Cairndow Village Hall, it was agreed that a group would be established to implement the approved plans.

Eight people have volunteered to steer and deliver the project with Andrew Mickel agreeing to chair the group.

Andrew has generously overseen and funded the planning process since 2020, which was completed in 2022 when permission was granted.

Andrew said: “Tuggy Delap kindly donated the land which was previously the site of an old pier adjacent to the War Memorial.

“There are many benefits to re-establishing safe access from the loch at Cairndow. Planning permission is in place so much of the difficult work has been completed, moving forward the group volunteers are excited to bring this project to fruition.”

Ian Arnold, of the Strachur Bay Mooring Association, who has provided a great deal of support and advice based on its experience, said: “Cairndow has the near perfect location to put a pontoon, this will be a great addition to the marine asset at the head of Loch Fyne.

“I was impressed with the business-like approach at the meeting, and delighted that there is plenty of enthusiasm. We are very happy to help the Cairndow team and share our experience.”

Cowal councillor William Sinclair added: “I attended the meeting in Cairndow and was very impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of those who came along.

“This is a fantastic opportunity which I am sure will bring significant future economic benefit.

“I am exciting fully behind development this and

Cairndow and Loch Fyne, where it is hoped a new pontoon will be constructed to encourage marine tourists to visit the head of the loch. will do all that I can to ensure support, I have contacted our head of economic development and the project is firmly on his radar.

“I have also contacted other Argyll and Bute Council officers regarding potential funding opportunities.”

Loch Fyne was identified in 2018 as a red location, where major investment was needed, by the ACT LEADER and West Coast Marine Hubs because it was marked that there was no marine tourism industry in Cairndow because there was no safe place to come ashore.

With the detailed work now complete, Cairndow Mooring Association group’s attention is turning to formulating the project plan and working with partners to identify funding sources.