Dunoon

DUNOON

Nestled on the west shore of the Firth of Clyde on the east side of the mountainous Cowal Peninsula, Dunoon stands amongst some of the most stunningly magnificent scenery you’ll find anywhere in the UK. The seaboard gateway to the Scottish highlands, the town is actually more accessible by sea than land. Dunoon became a top holiday destination during the Victorian holiday boom, when paddle steamers brought Glaswegian visitors by there thousands to enjoy the awe inspiring scenery and innately hospitable spirit of this truly unique part of the world.

Dunoon town is the focal point of the surrounding area with the Argyll Street acting as the centre for shopping and socialising. Here you can buy delicious home baked goods and fresh local produce and discover evidence of a town that wears its artistic and cultural heart on its sleeve. You can also dine out in friendly, vibrant surroundings or enjoy a dram or two in a local pub.

In spite the demise of the paddle steamers Dunoon has retained its love affair with the sea, with the development of the wonderful Holy Loch Marina. A mile wide at its broadest point, Holy Loch became a submarine base during WW2 and an American Naval Base from the 1960s to the 1990s. Today it is a world-class marina catering almost exclusively for pleasure craft, with abundant moorings and superb facilities for yachtsmen and powerboat enthusiasts. But do not be fooled by all the 21st century maritime razzmatazz, Dunoon cherishes its nautical roots and the last working seagoing paddle steamer, The Waverly, still calls regularly at the pier.