CIVIL engineering specialist Charles Brand has commenced works on a £2.2 million marina slipway project at Tarbert Harbour.
The project will see the creation of a new marina slipway with increased car parking and vessel hard standing space. Works are anticipated to complete in March 2027.
The £1.6 million contract was awarded to the Northern Irish firm following a competitive tender process, with the total project cost to design, build, and purchase equipment standing at £2.2 million.
The project is being funded by Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour Authority (THA) with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Crown Estates Scotland via Argyll and Bute Council, and Skipness Community Trust.
The new Marina Slipway Project will feature 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 added capacity and economic benefits for the village.
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.
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 game changer 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.”
