Anchors aweigh for Scotland's newest, most prestigious marina
Press Release: Portavadie Marina - Wednesday 26 August ,2009
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 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.
Owners Portavadie Estates Ltd, 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 12 metre deep lagoon, which 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 facilities are second to none," said Robert Kitchin, manager of the marina which is just one and a half hours by road from Glasgow.
"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."
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 Chef Steven Gilroy who recently joined the marina from The Hilton Hotel in Dunkeld.
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.
"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, 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 a beautiful part of the world and somewhat of a wee secret gem. There are a lot of people who have still to discover what we have to offer."
Minister for Tourism Jim Mather described the Portavadie Marina complex as an exemplar development.
"This marina development will really put Portavadie on the sailing map," said Mr Mather.
"The new pontoons, restaurant and bar and viewing terraces are a welcome addition for all those marine-based visitors and the proposed tourist hostel and letting apartments will further boost the local economy."
Visitors, users and viewers of the content to which this notice is attached may copy it for re-use and syndicate the content by whatever means for use to other internet content sites on condition the source of all material so used is acknowledged with the attachment of the following notice.
www.superyachtnews.blogspot.com 2009
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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 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.
Owners Portavadie Estates Ltd, 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 12 metre deep lagoon, which 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 facilities are second to none," said Robert Kitchin, manager of the marina which is just one and a half hours by road from Glasgow.
"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."
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 Chef Steven Gilroy who recently joined the marina from The Hilton Hotel in Dunkeld.
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.
"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, 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 a beautiful part of the world and somewhat of a wee secret gem. There are a lot of people who have still to discover what we have to offer."
Minister for Tourism Jim Mather described the Portavadie Marina complex as an exemplar development.
"This marina development will really put Portavadie on the sailing map," said Mr Mather.
"The new pontoons, restaurant and bar and viewing terraces are a welcome addition for all those marine-based visitors and the proposed tourist hostel and letting apartments will further boost the local economy."
Visitors, users and viewers of the content to which this notice is attached may copy it for re-use and syndicate the content by whatever means for use to other internet content sites on condition the source of all material so used is acknowledged with the attachment of the following notice.
www.superyachtnews.blogspot.com 2009
www.ajaxnetphoto.com 2009
This content may NOT be used in any print media made available for commercial resale.
The products and companies named in this website content are trademarks, registered trademarks or servicemarks of their respective owners or licensed users.
Labels: Boat, Marina, Marine, Sailing, Sport, Superyacht, Yachting
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