A NEW mooring and pontoon facility in the picturesque Loch Fyne has officially opened to the public.
Hundreds gathered to celebrate the opening of the Loch Fyne Mooring & Pontoon, located at the idyllic village of Cairndow at the head of Upper Loch Fyne, on Sunday.
The development marks the first stage of an “ambitious” regeneration of the area by Cairndow Mooring Association – custodians of the plans – and represents an important moment in Cairndow’s community-led growth strategy.
The hamlet is nestled at the top of the 40-mile-long sea loch and is seen as the gateway to Upper Loch Fyne and is framed by the Arrochar Alps.
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The association hopes the new pontoon and mooring facility will help capitalise on the area's blossoming leisure and marine tourism industry, with Cairndow already renowned for its wide range of outdoor activities.
Cairndow has quickly become a top spot for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy rod fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, wild swimming, hiking, mountain biking, trail walks, and forest bathing.
Stephen Caira, chairperson of Cairndow Mooring Association, said the launch of the new pontoon marks a “proud moment” for the area.
He said: “This is the first step in a much bigger vision for our community – providing a welcoming gateway to Loch Fyne for local residents and visitors alike.
“The pontoon sits at the heart of an exciting period of community-led growth in Cairndow.
“Together, this project will help to create a lasting opportunity for our village and put Cairndow firmly on the map as a destination on Scotland’s stunning west coast.”
Gael Force was tasked with the pontoon construction, with A&L Macrae ensuring the land was prepared and carrying out installation work.
Augmenting the new Loch Fyne Mooring & Pontoon, and accessed only 150 metres away, is an upgraded safe walking route – Shepherd’s Way.
Arching around the head of Upper Loch Fyne, the walkway provides locals and visitors with an excellent view of the area along with access to the water.
From Cairndow, main local attractions and accommodation including Loch Fyne Oyster Bar & Deli Shop, Tree Shop Café & Garden Centre, Fyne Ales, Ardkinglas House, and KABN Luxury Cabins, as well as the family-friendly Fyne Den Adventure Zone, Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, and Gruffalo & Fairy Trail.
The businesses are all within an easy one-to-two-mile radius, and a walk or cycle on Shepherd’s Way of around 30 minutes.
A Walkers’ Car Park also offers a popular starting point for exploring the scenic Glen Fyne on foot or by bike, or for bagging the remote and challenging Munro, Beinn Bhuidhe.
Also, 150 metres away from the Loch Fyne Mooring & Pontoon is a bus stop with regular services connecting to Glasgow, Inveraray, Oban and Campbeltown.
Hundreds of members from the local community, along with business leaders from across the area, turned out in force for the launch celebrations.
Pipe Major John Hunt of the Loch Fyne Pipe Band performed in the afternoon, and Cairndow Mooring Association treasurer Simon Betts was joined by Cowal councillor Gordon Blair, as well as local children Evan Reese White and Lexie Downs, to conduct the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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Joining Councillor Blair was Bute and Cowal Area chair, councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, and councillor Shonny Paterson, who was recently appointed to serve on the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Board.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, SNP councillor Blair extended his congratulations to everyone involved in the “fantastic development”.
He said: “The Loch Fyne Mooring & Pontoon is a tremendous example of teamwork and the power of collaboration, and represents an important milestone in Cairndow’s community-led growth strategy.
“This new mooring and pontoon will enhance the appeal of Cairndow, drive economic growth to the area, and boost connectivity to the many attractions around Upper Loch Fyne.
“I wish Cairndow Mooring Association, and the entire community who have worked so hard on this project, every success and much prosperity.”
Loch Fyne Mooring & Pontoon has been funded by SSE Renewables Hydro Community Fund, Here We Are – a local community enterprise, and community member Andrew Mickel.
The project’s committee comprises of Stephen Caira – chairperson, Andrew Mickel – deputy chairperson, Simon Bett – treasurer, Owen Hutchens, and Andrea Mickel.
A group of passionate locals, each with an interest in helping to drive the success of Cairndow, have generously supported Loch Fyne Mooring & Pontoon.
They include Tuggy Delap, who has donated her shoreline land adjacent to the pontoon, and Alexander Miles, who has donated his boat to the community.