CARRADALE HARBOUR STUDY

Location: Carradale, Kintyre

Client: Carradale Harbour Group

Programme: Completed 2012 and 2015

Carradale occupies one of Scotland’s most scenic locations. It is a village in urgent need of investment as the decline of traditional industries, such as fishing and forestry, along with structural changes in tourist patterns have diminished its economic base.

The study supports a community initiative to regenerate the harbour as both an integral part of the village and as a visitor destination in its own right. Although still a base for the fishing industry, the poor physical environment around the harbour prevents it capitalising on opportunities provided by its stunning seaside location or the Clyde’s rapidly increasing yachting and adventure tourism industries.

A Masterplan was produced which encompassed a number of individual projects. A dramatic new visitor facilities building will act as a community and visitor focus, along with commercial workshops and stores for the fishermen. Environmental improvements, including a newly constructed slipway, provides access for water users. A network of paths is proposed along with two dramatic viewpoints and an arts project.

Community input was central. This involved a series of public meetings and a number of focus sessions, which helped to integrate a range of local projects. This visioning process helped to bring various community groups together to form a consensual vision of possible future directions for both the Harbour and wider area.