Tarbert Harbour (continued)

Tarbert Pier
  Steam passenger ships were unable to navigate the narrow entrance channel to the inner quayside safely. There was an attempt to build a concrete pier at Mealldarroch Bay but a storm destroyed it.  A wooden landing place was built around 1870 in a more sheltered position. A road to service the pier was built by the Campbells of Stonefield. Later extended and recently repaired, this pier is still in use.  

Tarbert Harbour Authority 
After 200 years. the Harbour Act of 1708 needed revision.  A petition to parliament by the then landowner, Colin George Pelham Campbell of Stonefield, John Mcleod, Ironmonger, Neil Murray, Fisherman, Neil Black, Merchant, and David Hope MacBrayne, Shipowner led to the Tarbert Loch Fyne Harbour Order 1912 and the establishment of Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour Authority. The order specified that the maintenance and regulation of Tarbert Harbour be vested with an elected body of Trustees, not to exceed seven in number. Although carrying considerable responsibility, these positions were unremunerated. The first sitting of the Board of Trustees was held on April 1st 1913. This order was revised by the ‘Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour Revision Order 2007’. The Trustees remain unremunerated, with all surpluses returning for the maintenance and improvement of the Harbour, continuing the work of the previous “Proprietors’. 

  In the 1930s. breastworks were built below Barmore Road, creating a small promenade and there has been some dredging.  

The large herring landings of the 1940s, 50s and 60s contributed to periodic improvements, to make today's extensive and well constructed quay and in 1995 major works brought fish landing and market facilities to then modern standards. Despite the decline in the fortunes of the fishing industry Tarbert is still the base for a modest fishing fleet. 

A financial agreement with the Crown Estates in 2009 enabled the extension of the yachting pontoons and provision of additional berthing facilities at the north pontoons. Further expansion of the pontoons was carried out in 2012 and again in 2015; making Tarbert arguably one of the best sailing destinations in Scotland.  

  In 2010 the Harbour secured a £1M Scottish Government grant allowing them to purchase the site of the old Dickie’s Boat Yard and undertake major improvements. A walkway linking the harbour to the town was created together with a public amenity area, an adult gym, children’s play area and picnic tables and seating. 

  New toilet, shower and laundry facilities were built in 2018, with the conversion of the old block to modern chandlery and office accommodation completed in 2019.  Tarbert Harbour Authority