Tarbert Harbour Slipway Project
Tarbert Harbour is progressing a major new marina slipway development for 2026-2027
This will greatly enhance launch and retrieval facilities for leisure and commercial vessels, along with increased hard standing and parking capacity. The project will also include a new kayak pontoon and modern watercraft recovery facilities, helping to support marine tourism, marine commerce and the wider local economy.
Tarbert Harbour is undertaking an important new infrastructure project to improve marine access, vessel handling and operational facilities within the harbour area.
The Tarbert Harbour Marina Slipway Project will see the construction of a new slipway, improvements to hard standing areas, and increased car parking capacity. The project also includes the procurement of a state-of-the-art boat launch and retrieval system capable of lifting leisure and commercial vessels of up to 25 tonnes.
The car park extension will provide 50 additional spaces, helping to ease pressure around the marina and support increased demand from harbour users, visitors, local boat owners and commercial operators. The new watercraft recovery slipway will also include a wash-down treatment facility, supporting improved operational standards for vessel recovery and maintenance.
These improvements will provide a significant long-term benefit for harbour users, visiting vessels, local boat owners, commercial operators and the wider Tarbert community.
Once complete, the new facilities will support safer, more efficient vessel launch and recovery, while strengthening Tarbert Harbour’s role as a key marine hub on Loch Fyne.
The project is also part of Tarbert Harbour’s wider investment in sustainable tourism, coastal infrastructure and community benefit, with the new facilities designed to support both commercial activity and recreational access to the water.
Work is being delivered by appointed contractor Charles Brand of Northern Ireland, with the project scheduled for completion on 5th March 2027. The new launch and retrieval equipment is expected to commence operations in spring 2027.
During the construction period, the marina will remain open for business. Temporary traffic, pedestrian and parking arrangements will be in place around the marina area, and harbour users, residents, visitors and local businesses are asked to follow site signage and guidance while works are ongoing.
We will be providing regular updates to the project here on our new dedicated Slipway News Blog, including construction progress, access arrangements, parking guidance, key milestones and important local notices.
FAQ's
Got a question about the new Slipway Project? We have tried to answer your questions below, please check here as your question may well be answered. If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Will there be disruption during construction?
Some disruption is expected, particularly around the marina, parking areas, access routes and areas close to the works. Tarbert Harbour will work with the contractor to keep disruption to a minimum wherever possible and to share information in advance where planned changes are required.
Will the project support Tarbert’s marine economy?
Yes. The improvements will strengthen Tarbert Harbour’s facilities and help support ongoing marine activity, visiting vessels, commercial use and the wider local economy. The project is intended to boost marine tourism and marine commerce while supporting Tarbert’s role as a key harbour destination on Loch Fyne.
Will the marina stay open during the works?
Yes. Tarbert Harbour Marina will remain open during the construction period. Some temporary changes to access, parking or pedestrian routes may be required while works are underway, and visitors, berth holders and harbour users should follow local signage and guidance.
Will roads or access routes be closed?
There may be temporary road closures, restricted access or diversions at certain stages of the project. Where this is required, Tarbert Harbour will aim to provide advance notice through the project page, local signage, notices and project email updates.
Will parking be affected?
Parking arrangements may change temporarily during the construction period. Any planned changes to parking will be communicated as clearly and as early as possible. Once complete, the car park extension will provide 50 additional spaces, helping to ease pressure around the marina.
Why is the project needed?
The project will improve the way leisure and commercial vessels are launched, recovered and handled at Tarbert Harbour. It will also help support local boat owners, visiting vessels, marine businesses and the wider harbour community, while contributing to the long-term regeneration and economic sustainability of the village.
Who will benefit from the new slipway?
The new facilities will benefit local boat owners, leisure sailors, visiting vessels, commercial operators, marine businesses, harbour users and the wider Tarbert community. The improvements are also expected to support marine tourism and marine commerce, both of which are important to the local economy.
Who is carrying out the work?
The appointed contractor for the project is Charles Brand of Northern Ireland, following a tendering process.
Where can I find the latest project information?
The latest information will be shared on the Tarbert Harbour Marina Slipway Project page and through the dedicated Slipway News Blog. Residents, businesses and harbour users are also encouraged to sign up for email updates.
When will the project be completed?
Works are expected to commence on 27th July, with the project currently scheduled for completion on 5th March 2027. The new launch and retrieval equipment is expected to begin operating in spring 2027.
What will the project include?
The project includes the construction of a new marina slipway, improvements to surrounding hard standing areas, a car park extension with 50 additional spaces, a kayak pontoon and the installation of a modern boat launch and retrieval system.
What size of vessels will the new equipment be able to handle?
The new launch and retrieval system is expected to be capable of lifting leisure and commercial vessels of up to 25 tonnes.
How will local residents and businesses be kept informed?
Tarbert Harbour will use the project page, local signage, notices and email updates to keep residents, businesses, harbour users and visitors informed about key stages of the project, including construction progress, access arrangements, parking guidance and important local notices.
Can locals sign up for project updates?
Yes. Local residents, businesses and harbour users will be able to sign up to receive email updates about the project, including construction progress, access arrangements, parking changes, road notices and other important information while works are underway.
Will there be new water sports facilities?
In addition to the Marina Slipway Project, plans have been announced for a Community Water Sports and Activity Hub located next to the slipway. Works on the Hub are currently scheduled to commence in 2027.
Will the slipway include wash-down facilities?
Yes. The new watercraft recovery slipway will include a wash-down treatment facility, supporting improved operational standards for vessel recovery and maintenance.
Will the project create jobs?
Following construction of the Marina Slipway Project and the planned Community Water Sports and Activity Hub, three new full-time jobs are expected to be created within Tarbert Harbour Authority.
What is the New Slipway Project about?
The Tarbert Harbour Marina Slipway Project is a major infrastructure improvement project that will deliver a new marina slipway, improved hard standing areas, increased parking capacity, a kayak pontoon and a modern boat launch and retrieval system for vessels of up to 25 tonnes.
What is the kayak pontoon for?
The kayak pontoon forms part of the wider Marina Slipway Project and will help improve recreational access to the water. It supports Tarbert Harbour’s wider focus on coastal infrastructure, sustainable tourism and community benefit.
