TARBERT HARBOUR, the world-class sailor’s paradise on Loch Fyne -

- unveils its new Earra Gael viewing platform and heritage sculpture.

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LOCH FYNE, SCOTLAND, June 2026

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Tarbert Harbour has unveiled the new Earra Gael Public Realm Improvements;

- a striking new viewing platform and a handcrafted stone sculpture drawing on Tarbert’s rich maritime and cultural heritage.

Located at the heart of the Argyllshire village, the new platform, constructed by local builder Duncan MacGregor, provides residents and visitors with a prime location to relax and enjoy the beautiful views across Tarbert Harbour, and the Marina.

In addition to the newly launched viewing platform, a new heritage sculpture forms an attractive centrepiece and was designed and carved in sandstone by local artist and sculptor Melanie Chmielewska at her studio in Ballibeg. The distinctive, freestanding Earra Gael artwork tells the story of Tarbert’s fishing and cultural heritage through Melanie’s carving craftsmanship, with dookers, herring, skiffs and Tarbert Castle featuring across the piece.

Joining Darren Mair, Senior Port Manager / Harbour Master at Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour Authority for the launch of the Earra Gael Platform were a number of notable local people. These included the legendary Margaret MacNeill – a longstanding contributor to the success of the village - who did an opening speech on the day, about the sculpture and references to Tarbert’s fishing heritage.

Earra Gael forms part of Tarbert Harbour Authority’s wider investment in the village centre, ensuring that the harbour front remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for all.

Other recent infrastructure enhancements and amenities improvements include:

• Upgraded street lighting installed along the harbour wall, stretching from the Fish Quay to the Coop corner. This is intended to provide better visibility, enhance safety, and create a more inviting atmosphere, particularly during the darker winter months.
• New streetscaping to improve the comfort, accessibility and the overall usability of the public space, as well as public art along the harbour wall that is work in progress to create a sculpture trail within the village.

_{Picture shows: Darren Mair, Senior Port Manager / Harbour Master with Tarbert Citizen of the Year 2025 Stuart Mclean and Tarbert Seafood Queen 2025 Amber Smith who helped to unveil the Earra Gael stone sculpture by Melanie Chmielewska.}

Commenting, Darren Mair, Senior Port Manager / Harbour Master at Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour Authority says:

“Tarbert Harbour Authority is proud to be delivering these public realm improvements. The project represents an important milestone in the Harbour’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local community and aligns with our strategic aim to contribute positively to village life. The improvements being made are creating an environment that residents, families, businesses, and visitors can enjoy throughout the year.

“The new viewing platform and its extended seating area is a welcome focal point for the village, providing a comfortable space to relax at the harbour front and enjoy the atmosphere, plus take in the views of vessels and wildlife moving around the harbour. Melanie’s heritage stone sculpture, with its remarkable detail and storytelling of Tarbert life, complements the space perfectly.

“The public realm improvements to the harbour front have been made possible through grant funding from Argyll and Bute Council via Crown Estates Scotland monies, supplemented by the Harbour’s own reserves, and new street furniture generously donated by the Tarbert and Skipness Community Trust is supporting disabled access. We extend our sincere thanks to all funders, partners, and contractors for their role in bringing this project to fruition, and to the community for its continued support. I am sure this new space will be enjoyed by the community and visitors to Tarbert for many years to come, and we are delighted to see so many different age ranges using the space.”

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Artist and sculptor Melanie Chmielewska, who is a member of Artmap Argyll Open Studios added:

“Creating the sculpture has been a particularly rewarding commission and it has been wonderful to see the finished piece installed at the heart of the village, and to hear such positive feedback from the community.
“It was nice to have the opportunity to carve on this scale - it is the biggest piece of stone I have worked on - and the freedom of the process was immensely enjoyable. I am delighted with the end result - the design touchpoints of the castle, the dookers and the herring complement Tarbert’s longstanding maritime traditions and history so well."