Marina News and Press Releases
Tourism Minister Jim Mather takes in the view of Loch Fyne
Anchors aweigh for Scotland's newest, most prestigious marina
A blot on the landscape created by the oil boom of the 1970s is to be turned into a £45million pound world-class tourist destination in the west of Scotland.
The first phase of the new 230-berth, deep-water, state-of-the-art Portavadie Marina complex and resort will be officially opened today (Wed) by Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism.
Built on the site of a former 1970s oil-rig construction yard which never opened Portavadie Marina aims to provide some of the highest quality facilities in the UK for sailors, walkers, mountain bikers, golfers and other outdoor leisure enthusiasts.
The opening of the marina comes at a time when Scotland is experiencing a boom in sailing as marine leisure activities are now second only to golf in attracting revenue from tourism.
According to the latest figures from VisitScotland golf attracts an estimated £300million a year to the national economy, closely followed by sailing and boating which brings in around £275million. Walking is said to be worth £240 million, mountaineering around £104 million and mountain biking £35 million.
Owners Portavadie Estates Ltd, part of the Loch Lomond Distillers Group, have so far spent around £18million on the first phase of the development, including the marina, restaurant, accommodation and luxury facilities which will eventually create more than 100 jobs.
The Portavadie team thank Jim Mather
The 12 metre deep lagoon, which is just one and a half hours from Glasgow by road and is situated directly east across Loch Fyne from the village of Tarbert, provides fully serviced berths for almost any size of leisure craft. There are also a variety of shore side benefits, including luxurious showers and toilets, a launderette, drying room and a number of self-catering family apartments and cottages for between two and eight persons.
The marina's quality bar and restaurant, winner of the Benromach Nautical Restaurant and Bar of the Year 2009 at the Scottish Licensed Trade Awards, provides a wide menu of high quality delicacies, including Loch Fyne seafood, locally shot game and produce prepared by our chefs.
The 100 acres marine resort is situated among some of the most picturesque scenery in the world and great care has been taken to preserve and enhance the environment.
"Portavadie is unlike any other marina, not just on the Clyde coast but beyond, throughout Britain," said Brian Stewart of Stewart Associates, architects for the project.
"We have tried to create something special, a landmark building which has more of a Mediterranean feel to it rather than a traditional British marina.
"The restaurant, offices, board room, function suites and high-level viewing terrace all overlook the marina in a series of interlinking glass and stone buildings which are extremely environmentally friendly.
James Young, Junior Sous Chef grilling Malcolm`s line caught Mackerel from the Loch
"The buildings are highly insulated and designed in such a way that they don't need a lot of energy because it's naturally lit and ventilated. The heating is all under floor and the LED lighting system, the first of its kind in Europe, is very, very energy efficient."
Wherever possible, local materials, suppliers and craftsmen have been used to create the show-piece development.
"We've used a lot of local firms. That's part of our sustainability approach," said Mr Stewart.
"It's all very well trying to use as much local materials as you can but if you bring in contractors from far away then it's not of great benefit to the local economy. We have tried to maintain as much of the construction and supply work within the Argyll area as possible."
Much of the appeal of Portavadie is that it is designed to be a year round destination for all types of visitors, whether they want to stay for a few weeks or a few hours.
"Portavadie is more than a marina. The idea is to create a destination which will appeal all year round to walkers, mountain bikers, golfers, horse riders, fishermen, divers and wildlife watchers as well as sailors," said Iain Jurgensen, Resort General Manager.
"Everybody is more than welcome to enjoy what nature has given us - a wonderful view. On a clear night the stars are absolutely stunning and seeing the sunset across the loch is phenomenal.
"It's beautiful part of the world and somewhat of a wee secret gem. There's a lot of people who have still to discover what we have to offer."
Official Opening of Portavadie Marina
The first stage of transforming an industrial folly of the 1970s into a world class tourist destination was yesterday (Wed) officially opened by Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise and Tourism. For more than 30 years Portavadie Marina on the banks of Loch Fyne near Tighnabruaich was a blot on the landscape after attempts to create an oil rig construction yard to cash in on the North Sea bonanza failed and one of the largest man-made holes in Scotland was abandoned before it was ever used.
Robert Kitchin, Marina Manager shares a yarn with Jim Mather
Now, after an investment of more than £18million the former drydock at Portavadie has been turned into a prestigious marina and restaurant.
Yesterday (Wed) Minister Jim Mather said the complex, which will eventually cost more than £45million and create more than 100 jobs, had turned an eyesore into a "fantastically elegant asset, adding value to other tourism venues in the area and making the place more compelling to visit".
"Portavadie has just made itself almost equidistant to any place on the planet. What we have got here is a place with genuine pulling power just an hour and a half from Glasgow by road and 40 minutes from Largs by a fast rib.
This is a great, central location for people looking to explore some of the finest sailing in the world. I am delighted to see this investment being rewarded with active customers and an enthusiastic locality which is firmly behind the marina."
The first phase of the new 230-berth, deep-water, state-of-the-art marina complex and resort will provide some of the highest quality facilities in the UK for sailors, walkers, mountain bikers, golfers and other outdoor leisure enthusiasts.
The opening of the marina comes at a time when Scotland is experiencing a boom in sailing as marine leisure activities are now second only to golf in attracting revenue from tourism.
"Sailing is absolutely booming in Scotland. It's now the second highest earner to golf in bringing in visitors," said Tony Bennett Director of Sail Scotland, which represents the Scottish marine industry.
"A lot of charter companies are reporting a 30 per cent increase in customer take-up and turnover this year."
Portavadie's new 100-acres complex currently caters for around 230 vessels and it's unusually deep lagoon of 40 ft (12 metres) makes it suitable for almost any size of leisure craft.
"The facilities are second to none," said Robert Kitchin, manager of the marina.
"We are in an ideal spot to attract people looking to explore the west coast of Scotland with easy access to Largs, Kip, Troon, Ardrossan, Arran and Northern Ireland."
It`s official – we are OPEN!!!
According to the latest figures from the Scottish Boating Alliance and VisitScotland golf attracts an estimated £300million a year to the national economy, closely followed by sailing and boating which brings in around £275million. Walking is said to be worth £240 million, mountaineering around £104 million and mountain biking £35 million.
"Portavadie is unlike any other marina, not just on the Clyde coast but beyond, throughout Britain," said Brian Stewart of Stewart Associates, architects for the project.
"We have tried to create something special, a landmark building which has more of a Mediterranean feel to it rather than a traditional British marina.
"The restaurant, offices, board room, function suites and high-level viewing terrace all overlook the marina in a series of interlinking glass and stone buildings which are extremely environmentally friendly."
Wherever possible, local materials, suppliers and craftsmen have been used to create the show-piece development. "We've used a lot of local firms. That's part of our sustainability approach," said Mr Stewart. "It's all very well trying to use as much local materials as you can but if you bring in contractors from far away then it's not of great benefit to the local economy. We have tried to maintain as much of the construction and supply work within the Argyll area as possible."
"I am delighted that the marina has been set up at Portavadie because it was a mess, having been abandoned in the late 1970s and left to rot with only bats and sheep able to occupy the site," said Bruce Marshall, local Argyll & Bute councillor.
"The marina and all the facilities have been built to a high standard. It's an ideal set-up in the heart of Loch Fyne for boats looking to explore the area through around the Firth of Clyde and through the Crinan Canal. It is also perfectly located to deal with walkers using the Cowal Way and other visitors coming to the area. It's turned a blot on the landscape into a showpiece destination in one of the most beautiful areas of the country which can only be good for the local community".