Tarbert Harbour Authority

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PRESS RELEASE

Tarbert Harbour Authority is proud to unveil a bold and forward-looking plan to enhance local infrastructure and community amenities through the development of two major projects:

1. Phase 1 – Car Park Extension, Watercraft Recovery Slipway and Kayak Pontoon (planned timelines – commence Dec. 2025 – completion June 2026)
2. Phase 2 – Community Water Sports & Activity Hub Building                                        

While strategically aligned, each phase will be delivered as a distinct project with separate funding, timelines, and outcome measures with the aim of boosting community wellbeing and having a positive impact on the local economy.

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Phase 1: Slipway and Car Park Extension

This phase will deliver a modern and environmentally friendly Watercraft Recovery Slipway with wash down treatment facility, a Kayak Pontoon, along with an extension to the existing Car Park at the Marina.

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Benefits for the Community:

• Job Creation: 3 FTE roles will be created post-construction within THA’s organisation, alongside broader economic benefits for the local community.
• Community Wellbeing: Easy access to a range of water sport activities – the benefits of water sports for physical and mental wellbeing is well documented. The dedicated kayak launching facility makes for safer launching for novices and people with disabilities.
• Training and Education: Water sport training and certification opportunities offering pathways to gain new skills, experiences, and qualifications. The slipway facility will also provide an opportunity for people to gain valuable skills in vessel maintenance such as through apprenticeship schemes.
• Tourism and Leisure: Increased overnight stays in Tarbert on land and on water, which will significantly boost the local economy.
• Boating Support: Visiting and resident boaters, including small creel fishing vessels, will be able to retrieve their boats safely from the water to carry out maintenance – this increases the longevity of vessels and will also have positive benefits for the environment with a state of the art environmentally friendly wash down facility.
• Parking Facilities – Tarbert has insufficient parking capacity during the busy tourist season, the extra parking spaces will relieve some of the strain within the village.

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Strategic Impact

The slipway and car parking extension will be a major milestone in Tarbert Harbour’s ongoing commitment to “contributing positively to village life”. It represents a key investment in sustainable tourism, coastal infrastructure, and community enrichment, which will deliver on the key aims of the Scottish Marine Tourism Strategy, “Giant Strides”.

Key Outcomes:

• Local Economic Growth: Increased employment opportunities, increased visitor numbers and overnight stays within the village.
• Community Wellbeing: Promoting active lifestyles and social engagement through accessible water sports for individuals, families and local groups.
• Environmental Stewardship: Encouraging responsible use of marine resources and conservation awareness and best practice for vessel maintenance.
• Enhanced Safety: A designated, professionally managed launch area, will provide safe access to water for people of varying experience of water sports and will provide suitable access for persons with disabilities.
• Pathways to Excellence: Facilities will support competitive training and youth talent development in water skills and certification and potentially lead to careers in the maritime industry.
  

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Community facilities are vital for the physical and mental well-being of the residents of rural villages.

The proposed developments will provide a significant boost to village life and the local economy. After surveys and feedback from various local groups, it is apparent that there is a real desire for these facilities in Tarbert.

The proposals align with the Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust “Community Plan” and will deliver on the key aims of the Scottish Marine Tourism Strategy - “Giant Strides”.

The proposed car park extension has been designed to a minimalistic approach to follow the Low Water mark along the shore at the existing car parking area.

On a day during the month of June, THA will hold a Questions and Answers session on proposed future developments at the harbour marquee for interested residents, harbour users and other stakeholders - further details on this session, as well as details of proposed community / harbour projects including the Activity Hub, will follow soon on our social media channels and website.

Statement by; Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour Authority

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Download Press Release PDF here