The project will see the creation of a new Marina Slipway with Increased Car Parking and Vessel Hard Standing Space, with works having commenced today and a completion date of 5th March, 2027. 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.

This new marina slipway project will comprise a modern and environmentally friendly Watercraft Recovery Slipway with vessel wash down facility, while the car park extension with up to 30 new spaces will deliver greatly welcomed capacity and economic benefits for the village. The announcement represents a major milestone in the inward investment by Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour Authority (THA) – the not-for-profit Trust Port which operates Tarbert Harbour to contribute to the village’s economic prosperity and sustainability.

In addition to the new Marina Slipway Project, there are plans for the creation of a Community Water Sports and Activity Hub building and Kayak Pontoon, to complement the new slipway. This will enhance the wellbeing of the local population and provide better recreational access to the water for families and individuals of all ages and abilities, creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for the whole community, as well as skills and training opportunities.

Post-construction of both projects, three new full-time jobs will be created within Tarbert Harbour Authority, plus apprenticeship opportunities.

The Marina Slipway Project is one of a number of significant infrastructure investments to be committed to Tarbert over the last 18 months and once complete, will provide a much-desired, safe and modern service to lift leisure and small commercial craft up to 25 tonnes displacement, all year round. 

The facility will offer winter hard standing for vessels, with packages available including vessel washing, antifouling, engine servicing, rigging and other forms of boat maintenance to provide convenience for customers. It will also ensure vessels remain in a safe condition and provide owners with confidence that they can enjoy their time on the water.

Darren Mair, senior port manager/harbour master at Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour Authority, said: “These are exciting times for Tarbert Harbour and today’s announcement of the Marina Slipway Project marks a major development in the regeneration of the village. This is a significant legacy-building investment which will strengthen the image, appeal and competitiveness of Tarbert as not only a base for owners to keep their vessels in a sheltered harbour, but also to re-ignite Tarbert’s heritage as a place of boat repair and maintenance. Upon completion, the Marina Slipway Project and Hard Standing Extension will be a gamechanger in attracting new visitors, serving as a driver for the local economy and augmenting Tarbert’s position as a world-class sailor’s paradise.

“As a Trust Port, myself and the dedicated and hardworking THA team have been tirelessly focussed on delivering improvements to the facilities and services in and around the village. The Marina Slipway Project will draw members to our coastal community, which in turn will provide another welcome layer of social richness and sustainable prosperity long term.

“I am particularly excited about the opportunity to create new full-time jobs within THA, especially apprenticeships, while expanding skills development and training opportunities for our younger residents. Boat building and vessel repair are valuable skills for any coastal community, and it is essential that we do all we can to preserve and pass these skills on to future generations.

“I am pleased that we are able to partner with Charles Brand to deliver this capital development, and I want to emphasise that the Marina remains open for business as usual during the development and the strong start to the summer season provides us with confidence that Tarbert remains the Destination of Choice for visitors by sea or by land.”