Tarbert Harbour on Scotland’s west coast has announced details of a marina slipway project with a total cost of £2.2 million ($2.9 million USD), aimed at expanding facilities for marine tourism and marine commerce. Work began on Thursday, 30 July, and the project is expected to be completed in March 2027.
The development will include a new marina slipway, additional hard-standing space for vessels and an extension to the harbour car park with up to 30 new spaces, under a £1.6 million ($2.1 million) construction contract awarded to Northern Ireland-based company Charles Brand. Once complete, the facility will provide year-round lifting services for leisure vessels and small commercial craft of up to 25 tonnes, alongside maintenance services such as vessel washing, antifouling, engine servicing and rigging.
Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour Authority (THA) is funding the project, with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Crown Estate Scotland through Argyll and Bute Council, and Skipness Community Trust.
THA said the project is part of Scotland’s marine tourism strategy, ‘Giant Opportunities’, and will support marine tourism and marine commerce, sectors it described as contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the Argyll fishing village.
Darren Mair, senior port manager and harbour master at THA, said the investment would help attract visitors, contribute to the local economy and strengthen Tarbert’s role as a marine destination. “This is a significant legacy-building investment which will strengthen the image, appeal and competitiveness of Tarbert as not only a base for owners to keep their vessels in a sheltered harbour, but also to re-ignite Tarbert’s heritage as a place of boat repair and maintenance.”
To complement the new slipway, further plans include a community water sports and activity hub building and a kayak pontoon to improve access to the water and expand training opportunities. The harbour authority expects both projects to create three full-time jobs and apprenticeships once construction is complete.
Mair also highlighted the importance of preserving marine skills for future generations: “As a Trust Port, myself and the dedicated and hardworking THA team have been tirelessly focused on delivering improvements to the facilities and services in and around the village. The marina slipway project will draw members to our coastal community, which in turn will provide another welcome layer of social richness and sustainable prosperity long term.”
Images courtesy of Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour Authority.
