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 (up to 30 spaces). 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 30 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 facility, supporting improved operational standards for vessel recovery and maintenance.
As well as job creation, 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.
The £1.6m contract has been awarded to Charles Brand of Northern Ireland, following a competitive tendering process. The project is being funded by Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour Authority (THA) with support from Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Crown Estates Scotland via Argyll and Bute Council, and Skipness Community Trust. The total project cost including design, build and purchase of equipment is £2.2m, a sign of intent from the THA board to ensure Tarbert remains a thriving village for many years to come.
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 throughout the project.
We will be providing regular updates via our dedicated newsletter and on our new Slipway News Blog, including construction progress, access arrangements, parking guidance, key milestones and important local notices.
Project Updates 17/07/26
Hard Standing, Vessel Services and Seasonal Operations
As part of the Tarbert Harbour Marina Slipway Project, winter hard standing will be available for vessels, with Tarbert Harbour Authority supplying cradles for boats using the facility.
Additional Facilities
Pressure washing and antifouling services will also be available, and contractors will be able to carry out maintenance work on vessels while they are ashore.
Electric hook-up will be provided on hard standing, supporting boat owners who require power while maintenance or preparation work is being carried out.
Slipway operations will continue throughout the season, although reduced hard standing may be available while works and operational arrangements are in place. Priority will be given to current berth holders who wish to be lifted out in early spring 2027.
Boats on trailers will also be able to launch from the slipway by prior arrangement with Tarbert Harbour Authority.
The project will also include natural landscaping measures, with native plants being planted within the edsentail rock armour to help give the area a softer, more natural look and appearance. See below image aerial map overlay for projected areas for: slipway, car park extension and rock armour.
Project Updates 30/07/26
Temporary Marina Parking Arrangements During Slipway Works
As construction of the new Tarbert Harbour Marina Slipway Project continues, temporary parking arrangements have been introduced to help manage the limited space available within the marina area. These measures have been designed to ensure parking remains safe, organised and fair for berth holders, visitors and harbour users while works are underway.
Download the new Parking Plan Map
Download the new Parking Plan Policy
Supporting Harbour Improvements
The Marina Slipway Project is delivering significant improvements to harbour facilities, including a new slipway, boatyard facilities, additional parking capacity and enhanced vessel handling infrastructure. During construction, some existing parking areas are temporarily unavailable, reducing the number of spaces available within the marina.
To help manage this period, Tarbert Harbour Authority has introduced a temporary parking policy which will remain in place throughout the construction works.
Designated Parking Areas
Parking is only permitted within designated parking areas around the marina.
Current on-site parking provision includes:
- Main Marina Car Park (adjacent to the Marquee) – 14 general parking spaces
- Garval Road (behind the Harbour Office) – 6 general parking spaces
- Harbour Office / Gas Cage Area – 2 Blue Badge spaces and 1-2 dedicated drop-off space (maximum stay 15 minutes)
Visitors and harbour users are encouraged to refer to the marina parking map for the location of designated parking areas.
Parking Terms and Conditions
To ensure fair access to available parking:
- All parking operates on a first-come, first-served basis
- Due to limited capacity, a maximum of one vehicle per vessel is permitted within on-site parking areas
- Vehicles must be parked wholly within marked bays and must not obstruct access routes or manoeuvring areas
- The drop-off space near the Harbour Office is limited to 15 minutes maximum stay
- Berth holders planning to be away sailing for more than two days are encouraged to leave vehicle keys securely with the Harbour Office in case a vehicle needs to be moved in an emergency
Please note that parking spaces cannot be reserved or guaranteed.
If On-Site Parking Is Full
Additional free public parking is available within the village, including:
- Harbour Street Harbour Wall
- Bus Stop Car Park
- Pier Road (beyond the Fish Quay)
Drivers are asked to avoid parking in residential side streets and to follow all local parking restrictions and signage.
For visitors with mobility issues, or during periods of particularly poor weather, the Harbour team may be able to assist with transport between off-site parking and the marina. Please speak to the Harbour Office for assistance.
Leaving a Vehicle for an Extended Period
Anyone planning to leave a vehicle while away from Tarbert for an extended period should contact the Harbour team in advance. Early notice provides the best opportunity for staff to assist with parking arrangements where possible.
As with longer sailing trips, leaving vehicle keys securely with the Harbour Office is appreciated and may assist in the event of an emergency.
Thank You for Your Cooperation
These temporary arrangements are helping Tarbert Harbour continue operating safely and efficiently while important improvements are delivered through the Marina Slipway Project. We thank berth holders, visitors and harbour users for their patience and cooperation during this period.
**Parking is entirely at the owner's risk. Tarbert Harbour Authority accepts no responsibility for loss of, or damage to, vehicles or personal property.
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.
How will the landscaping look after the project is completed?
Native plants will be planted within the essential rock armour to help give the area a more natural appearance.
Can boats on trailers use the slipway?
Yes. Boats on trailers will be able to launch on the slipway by prior arrangement with Tarbert Harbour Authority.
Will electric hook-up be available on hard standing?
Yes. Electric hook-up will be available for vessels on hard standing.
Who will be given priority for lift out in early spring 2027?
Priority will be given to current berth holders who wish to be lifted out in early spring 2027.
Will slipway operations continue during the season?
Yes. Slipway operations will continue throughout the season, although reduced hard standing may be available while the project and associated works are underway.
Will maintenance contractors be available?
Yes. Contractors will be available to carry out maintenance work on vessels, helping to support boat owners while vessels are ashore. Continuing to keep and create new local jobs.
Will pressure washing and antifouling services be available?
Yes. Tarbert Harbour Authority will offer pressure washing and anti-fouling services for vessels using the slipway and hard standing facilities.
Will Tarbert Harbour Authority provide cradles?
Yes. Tarbert Harbour Authority will supply cradles for vessels using the hard standing facilities.
Will winter hard standing be available for vessels?
Yes. Winter hard standing will be available for vessels as part of the improved facilities at Tarbert Harbour.
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 current parking will be communicated as clearly and as early as possible. Once complete, the car park extension will provide up to 30 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, jobs to the the local people and income for local businesses all of which are vital 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 our Slipway newsletter to receive 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 up to 30 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 the slipway include wash-down facilities?
Yes. The new watercraft recovery slipway will include a wash-down facility, supporting improved operational standards for vessel recovery and maintenance.
Will the project create jobs?
Following construction of the Marina Slipway Project, at least three new full-time jobs are expected to be created within Tarbert Harbour Authority. Along side this there will be many additional jobs during the construction, including apprenticeships, as well as opportunities for skills & training development throughout and beyond the project.
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 up to 30 spaces, 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.
