sailscotland 2020

Argyll and The Islands

 Oban © SAIL Scotland

FEW VOYAGES ARE MORE SCENIC THAN THOSE SAILING THROUGH THE sea lochs of Argyll and hopping between the many islands dotting its coastline. Each isle has its own unique charm and attractions, not least the many famous distilleries and unforgettable picture-postcard views.

Argyll has been described as Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscape and the cradle of the Scottish nation, and this unrivalled heritage is a constant backdrop for visiting sailors. They will find a magnificent choice of sheltered anchorages throughout Argyll and the Islands together with many moorings, harbours and marinas. There have been significant improvements with the installation of several pontoon systems and associated facilities in some remote lochs and harbours.

Those sailing from the south or east will usually arrive from either the Mull of Kintyre or the Crinan Canal, which has a reputation as ‘Britain’s prettiest short-cut’. Many Scottish sailors will often start their season in the Firth of Clyde, then take this picturesque short-cut to the west coast, usually breaking their journey at one of the pontoons along the canal to take advantage of the pubs and hotels at Ardrishaig, Lochgilphead, Cairnbaan and Crinan. The journey can be completed in as little as five hours or as much as a leisurely three-day

cruise, taking in the scenery and nearby attractions. Those arriving from the Irish Sea via the North Channel and Mull of Kintyre, or those visiting from Northern Ireland, will usually sail through the Sound of Jura and make their first landfall at Islay, Jura or Gigha. All three have mooring facilities for the visiting sailor, while Islay also boasts pontoon facilities at Port Ellen. Jura has a landing pontoon at Craighouse (suitable for dinghies) and has 16 moorings in the bay. Both

sail scotland 2020

52