MV Finlaggan From Tarbert To Islay

MV Finlaggan

Tarbert is not only the gateway to the stunning Kintyre Peninsula, it is also an ideal location to use as a base while island hopping around the Inner Hebrides.
Island hopping around Argyll’s Atlantic Islands is the perfect way to explore the west coast and see the rich history, wildlife and archaeological remains of this fascinating, ancient region
In time this site will cover all routes, but for now we are just popping over to the wonderful Isle of Islay.


The Isle of Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Southern Hebrides of Scotland and lies in Argyll and Bute.
A true wildlife paradise, everywhere along the coast you can find seals, wading birds, oyster catchers, gannets, terns, gulls, ducks, shags, cormorants.
Dolphin and  basking sharks can be spotted from the coastal areas.
The farm lands are also home to lapwings, curlews, fewer corncrake and many other birds.
Buzzards, Hen Harriers, Golden Eagles and other birds of prey can also be spotted.
The Isle of Jura, the Kintyre peninsula and Northern Ireland are Islay's neighbours and should be added to your island hopping adventures too!

You can get to Islay from Kennacraig Ferry Terminal in Tarbert.
You can read more about Finlaggan In This Presentation.
The MV Finlaggan was the first CalMac ship to have "clam shell" bow doors, that open sideways. The car deck is partially open at the stern and has a mezzanine deck capable of taking an additional 18 cars
3 passenger decks with a restaurant, shop, and two disabled lifts serving all decks.
Entering through doors on the car deck, a staircase takes you up to a lounge with a bar/coffee shop, games room and baggage storage.
Further stairs, with a statue in the middle, take you to the cafeteria and a lounge with dog areas, a kid's play area and televisions.
Below is a video I shot today of it leaving Kennacraig and heading off to Islay, what a beautiful calm, December day for it.


When you visit Islay, you must explore Finlaggan, the ancient capital of the once powerful sea-faring kingdom, the Lordship of the Isles.

Like many of the Scottish Isles you will find Islay has many treats in store, from fascinating history, wonderful food and of course fantastic whisky from one of the 8 distilleries.
If you cannot get to Islay right now but want to sample a wee dram, try these. Drinks by the Dram Islay Whisky Tasting Set (5 x 3cl)
Bruichladdich Scottish Barley- The Classic Laddie
Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest
Caol Ila 12 Year Old
Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Lagavulin 16 Year Old
Islay is a world-renowned whisky producing island located in the Inner Hebrides. A collection of fine single malt Scotch whiskies best enjoyed neat or with just a splash of water.

Bruichladdich 

Made from barley harvested at Rockside Farm, Islay, in 2006 and distilled in 2007. The specially selected grain, the slow distillation and carefully considered casks were vital in creating this iconic unpeated single malt.

On The Road, A Visual Tour

Click Image To Enlarge

I am not a great photographer, but as we travel through the hills and beside the lochs there are so many breathtaking views, so here is a short post, loaded with pictures and videos of the B8024 (Just go through Tarbert, past Stonefield Wigwams, then turn right as though going to Tarbert Golf Course.

Then do a left onto the B8024, the road follows alongside the shores of West Loch.

A Coo!

Just follow the road, be mindful of the passing places as you may need to give way to farming or forestry vehicles, if you stop for photos or to enjoy the view, make sure you have left room for other vehicles to pass.

Allow yourself plenty of time to explore, or just relax and take in the stunning scenery and crisp, fresh air.

Port Ban Holiday Park, A Romantic Beach Just Before A Snow Flurry

Along the road you will find an excellent holiday park with static caravans and camping pitches.
Port Ban Holiday Park is set in a fantastic location and is perfect for extra guests if you are planing on getting married in such a beautiful spot.

See Crear Weddings for further info.
It is also a perfect location for family holidays, with sandy beaches and craggy coastlines there is plenty for little ones to do.

For Naturalists, it is wonderful all year round, with wildlife in abundance!
You don't have to wait long to see Seals, Buzzards, Deer, Otters and much more.

If you have time, take a small diversion and see the sculptured stones that have been stored under cover to protect them from the elements, you can read more about them here.

Sandy beaches and rolling hills

Of course, you could just sit back, relax and enjoy the views (even better if someone else is driving)

A Common Seal In Loch Caolisport

The Weather Seems To Change With Each Twist And Turn

Rocky Beaches

And Raging Burns

Loch Fyne Wildlife

Tarbert Harbour, Loch Fyne

While playing around on Youtube last night I found myself lost on a wonderful clicky trail along the beautiful waters of Loch Fyne.
There are many stunning videos on there, if you get the time have a search.
Meanwhile I have added a few of my favourites below.
Anyone that knows me knows why the first one had to be the first! :)
Just another few good reasons you should Visit Tarbert.
With thanks to;

Andy Jackson from SubseaTV. 81Banjo and the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, amongst others for sharing their videos.

Make a cuppa, sit back and relax while you watch some of the Tarbert locals doing what they do best....

Oyster Catcher

Short Films

Click to enlarge

I have set up a Youtube channel to add the short films I have been putting on Facebook and Google+.
More recently inspired by playing around with the phone settings while out with the dogs.
They are all short and at the moment there are only a few but I have embedded the playlist so it will grow in time.
It's just a bit of fun, but it shows the forests and lochs etc, if you enjoy walking you should be inspired.

Storm Desmond 5th December 2015

Just a couple of videos I made while playing with my phone walking the dogs, it's still very rough out there so please be careful.
If you are travelling locally and you have a facebook account bookmark the A83 Facebook Group for regular news, photos and updates from the people on the roads.

Christmas Dinner Party

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The SNP Tarbert Branch Christmas dinner is on the 11th December 2015 at The Tarbert Hotel, Harbour Street, Tarbert.
Places are to be booked in advance, you can Follow Or Message The Tarbert SNP On Facebook.
Or contact me and I will pass your details to those taking bookings.

Please arrive at 7pm ready to start at 7:30 pm

This is open to all members and others interested in joining us, it is £25 per head.
 Please message us to book a place and confirm your seat.

After dinner, we will be joined by the Wonderful Singer Bonnie McCallum.
We hope you can join us!


You can listen to more of Bonnie McCallum By Clicking Here! Or follow Her Facebook Page.

Christmas Party Menu

Starters

Home-made soup of the day with a warm crusty roll.
Chicken liver pate with a sweet onion chutney and Scottish oatcakes
Smoked haddock and chive fish cakes coated in golden breadcrumbs
and served with a lemon and dill mayonnaise.
Fanned honeydew melon with fruit coulis

Main courses
Roast turkey served with all the traditional fayre
Oven baked fillet of haddock on a bed of caper mash with
vegetables and a creamy tarragon butter sauce
Roast beef with roast potatoes, vegetables,
Yorkshire pudding and a rich red wine jus
Stuffed peppers, oven roasted peppers filled with vegetable cous cous
served with salad, garlic bread and a rich tomato sauce

Desserts
Christmas pudding with brandy sauce
Apple pie with vanilla custard
Cream filled profiteroles with dark chocolate sauce
Vanilla ice cream

Click Image To Enlarge

Don't forget to contact me if you are holding an even in or around Tarbert, so I can add it to this website and the Public Calendar for Tarbert.

Christmas In Tarbert

Christmas Day, Skipness 2014

It's that time of the year again! It seems to come around faster and faster!
Christmas starts in Tarbert with the Christmas Fair on the 4th December.
Come visit the stalls in Templars Hall and local shops for some late night shopping
Join in the Community Carol singing as the Christmas Tree lights are switched on by the Seafood Queen.
You can follow the Tarbert Christmas Fair on Facebook for the latest details and updates.

Tarby Teds, the unique hand crafted beautiful Teddy Bears can also be found about and about during the Christmas Fair.
If you want to be in with a chance to take home one of these gorgeous bears you can donate something to the Kintyre Foodbank in return for a raffle ticket.
There are many other ways you can help, please see The Kintyre Foodbank Website for further details.

You can also send gifts to the Kintyre Foodbank through paypal, you don't need an account to do so.

Christmas party nights at the Anchor Hotel on the 11th & 12th December

At the moment I can't find details for The Islay Frigate, but their Facebook Page is looking very festive, so pop over there and follow them for updates or bookmark their website,
also keep and eye on The Tarbert Hotel for details of their festivities, either through their website or Facebook Page.
The Corner House is another worth following, if I get more updates I will add them.


West Loch Hotel  has a fantastic Christmas Menu, offering a 2 course or a 3 course meal, opening times and full details can be found here. Or by clicking the Christmas Banner On Their Homepage. You can also follow West Loch Hotel On Facebook.

Stonefield Castle Hotel are offering luxurious 2 or 3 Night Breaks over Christmas or the New Year enabling you to relax, be pampered and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, more details on their website.

Raising funds for Marie Curie, Mid Argyll Fundraising Group with a whisky and cocktail tasting night at The Stag Hotel Lochgilphead on Friday 4th December

You will find some of Springbank's finest tipples for your entertainment.
Excellent, interesting and educational evening trying some of the finest Whisky in Scotland if not the world and also Donald's fabulous cocktails using some of the other spirits produced by the distillery. The evening is being hosted by the Stag Hotel Lochgilphead and begins at 7.30pm. Every last penny of the £15.00 entry goes to Marie Curie with both Springbank and The Stag Hotel offering their assistance free of charge for the evening.

If you are holding an event over Christmas in or near Tarbert and I have not included your detaisl please contact me and I will add them to the website and  Tarbert Public Calendar.

Relax At Stonefield

Clyde Fishermens Association Meeting

Clyde Fishermen's Association

The Clyde Fisherman's Association is holding community meetings for all residents, please see poster on the left for the meeting and times near you, and please do attend if you can.
(click image to enlarge poster)

Kenneth Macnab, our local chairman for the Association posted in the All Things Tarbert Facebook Group asking for your support;

"I'm quite sure everyone will have seen the post put on to this site by the Clyde Fishermens Association advertising events all around the Clyde .

I cannot stress enough how important it is for the economic and social well being of the village that we get a good turnout. I am not going into the politics of the situation on this site that's not what this site was set up for but I do want to make people aware that if the proposals for Marine Protected Areas and or a Regulating Order go ahead in their present form the consequences for Tarbert are dire.

Many businesses will be affected not just ones with fishing connections .

As a native of Tarbert along with many other long-standing fishing families our jobs and way of life are on the line.

Tarbert was built around fishing going back hundreds of years and it looks as though we are about to lose it all. The fishermen of Tarbert have given a lot to the village for many years now both in their time and financially by supporting every group club the churches and even the restoration of the castle, we have never turned anyone down for help.

Now we need the help of the community to secure a future not just for us but for the village as a whole. I wouldn't be writing this post if I wasn't concerned about the employment prospects for the future of Tarbert.

Anyone who can manage to come to the public event in the village hall on the 24th at 7.30 please do and you will hear more of the detail and the politics of the situation. Many people may think that they have nothing to do with fishing but that's not the case this will affect everyone the knock on effect will go right through the village."

The Tarbert Meeting is on Tuesday 24th November at the Tarbert Village Hall.

MVF Margiris 

Scottish fishermen have been at the forefront in pioneering a range of conservation and sustainability initiatives in recent years
For more information please visit Fishing For Truth.

Meanwhile just off the coast of Ireland is the world’s second largest super-trawler.
The ‘MFV Margiris’ drags a net bigger than a football field and, if stood on its end, would be almost twice as high as Ireland’s tallest building.
The super-trawler ceased operations off Australia after bitter protests by Government, fishing industry and conservation groups.
The vessel even changed its name to the ‘Abel Tasman’ in a bid to side-step protests off Australia and New Zealand.
But it ultimately quit Australian waters after being repeatedly targeted for protests by Greenpeace who feared its operations could devastate regional fish stocks.
The vessel which is 143m long (429ft) and displaces 9,500 tonnes  is the second biggest trawler/factory shop afloat and her processing capacity is enormous.
Irish fishing industry and conservation groups warned about the potential impact of such vast fishing potential in vulnerable Atlantic areas.

Please Sign The Petition to stop this factory vessel destroying the environment and the fishing industry.

Tarbert Fireworks Yacht Club 7pm This Friday!

7pm Tarbert Yacht Club

Friday 6th November 2015 at 7PM!
The Tarbert firework event with a couple of surprises..lentil soup..hot chocolate. .cake and glow sticks.

Come and join in and have fun.

Wrap up warm, keep your pets safely indoors then head over to Tarbert Yacht Club for the Tarbert Fireworks Night.

Pop over to the Group Event On Facebook for more details.
There will be donations collected for next years event.

Tarbert & Skipness Community Council Meeting

Tarbert & Skipness Community Council meeting is on Thursday 12th November in the Templars Hall at 7pm.

They will be discussing;
Reduction of Tarbert branch banking hours
Planning stipulations in our conservation area.
Proposed Council cuts.
16-17 yr old to be allowed on T&SCC as in other areas.
Also if you would like to be co-opted onto the Community council to help out I'm sure it would be greatly appreciated.
The Community Council meet on the 2nd Thursday in every month, please pop along and join in with the discussions.

Meteor Showers 2015

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There is not much of the year left but there is still plenty to look out for in the crisp winter skies.
I have added the remainder of the meteor showers this year to the Tarbert Calendar and am in the process of listing the whole year for 2016.

November brings the North and South Taurids.

The South Taurids can be seen from September 25 to November 25 but the peak is tonight, between midnight and dawn.
There have already been reports of fireballs seen from it this year so if the skies are clear near you it is well worth staying up for, remember to wrap up warm!

Just in case you miss it, here is one in Bangkok on 2/11/15 (apologies for the funky music)



The  North Taurids Meteor Shower is another long running one, it runs from October 12 –to December 2 but peaks this month between 12th and 13th.
Most can be seen  around midnight, when Taurus is highest in the sky.
Taurid meteors tend to be slow-moving, but sometimes very bright.

The Leonid Meteor Shower peaks ate night November 17 until dawn November 18, the best time to see them is just before dawn.
Look for the planet Jupiter near the Leonids’ radiant point.

Image From Earthsky.org

If you are up early Friday morning 6th November, look out for the Moon, Venus, Mars and Jupiter.
See the snap from my Sky Guide App for timing and positioning.

Sky Guide

The Geminids, December
The meteors will appear every night for two weeks, from 4 till 17 December.this year we should see a particularly dramatic display.
The shower reaches its peak on 13 and 14 December, when there will be no Moon allowing even the faintest shooting stars to stand out against the night sky.
Geminids produce over 100 meteors per hour at their peak which are slow and bright.
The great thing about Geminids is if you have clear dark skies and a little patience, you will see shooting stars. The Geminids don’t originate from a comet they come from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon.
 Meteors from this shower are very rocky and gritty and slightly easier to see compared to the other showers.

Mid to Late November Night Sky

Fireballs!!

Taurid Meteor Shower Early November

This is just a quick post to let you know if the skies are clear we are in for another celestial treat!
This is unlikely to be a very busy meteor shower but there is a possibility of seeing some rather spectacular fireballs, so even if you just catch one it's sure to be memorable!
The South Taurid meteors can be seen around the 4th and 5th November while the North Taurid shower will be raining down the most meteors on the night of November 11-12.

The radiant point is Taurus although they can appear to come from any direction, as always, just look up!

Find more detailed information here.
Also keep an eye on the solar storms and Aurora predictions as it is possible we could be spoilt with another dazzling display.

Coronal hole faces Earth
Don't think we really need to warn for this as most of you seem to be very enthusiastic about this but just a heads up for those who haven't heard it: A coronal hole solar wind stream is expected to arrive here on Earth in the next 12 to 36 hours. A moderate G2 geomagnetic storm is expected once the solar wind stream arrives, and the NOAA SWPC even has a warning in place for possible strong G3 geomagnetic storming conditions. A minor disturbance in the solar wind was observed in the past few hours but we think this was caused by a solar sector boundary crossing (phi angle shifted) and this means the solar wind stream likely has yet to arrive. Follow it live on www.spaceweatherlive.com Video: 3 days worth of footage from SDO showing the coronal hole as it faced Earth.
Posted by SpaceWeatherLive on Monday, 2 November 2015

Tarbert Christmas 2015

March 23 2013

OK, I'm sorry for mentioning Christmas before we've seen October out, but I just wanted to update the site with the Christmas plans.
Today I have added the Tarbert Christmas Fair to the Calendar and the Whitehouse Late Night Christmas Shopping Night.

There will be much more happening over the Christmas period so please bookmark the site or Follow Us On Facebook to get the latest news.

If you are a local business, club or group and want to add any of your events, meetings or anything else to the Tarbert Public Calendar just give me the details and I will add it to the site.

Thanks To 55 North Photography

Take It Easy!

Deer On The Shores Of West Loch

With abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery along many of the roads in and around Tarbert, it makes sense to take it easy.

Locally to me, a family have started a campaign to slow traffic down on the Kilberry Road.
I was invited into their Facebook Group Slow Traffic On Kilberry Rd Campaign, and saddened to find reports of beloved pets and wildlife that had been killed by traffic on the road.
This summer I saw a Badger laying lifeless at the roadside.

The B8024 is a long single track road, in places the road runs very close to the shore, with good views across the Loch, in others in climbs steeply inland over low hills, before quickly returning to the the waters edge, or at least close to it.

Please

Generally the legal speed limit for the road is 60mph, however some feel that in many places the limit should be reduced to 30mph, especially near peoples homes where small children could be playing.

Children and animals are unpredictable and if you are racing along at 60mph you may not be able to stop in time to reduce the risk of a serious accident.
When I was a child I was hit by a car going far less than 60mph and suffered many broken bones and other injuries, I still have the scars and creaks to prove it!

I know how quickly and easily it can happen.
Don't let it be you, or your child!
Please consider these points while travelling on many of our single track roads.

Sheep often own the road here and can be found wandering various sections at leisure, they have no road sense at all, you could bump into them anywhere, literally!

Driving along early evenings we quite often see Foxes, Deer and Badgers along the way.

These guys haven't read the highway code, and pop out all over the place

If you are in too much of a hurry you are also missing out
on the visual treats along the way, with the climbing hills and twists and turns you catch sight of Arran and Jura as you travel along the B8024.
As the road snakes along side the lochs you can often see seals sunbathing on the rocks near the shore.

If you are unfamiliar with the road it can seem very peaceful and empty, giving you a false impression that you are unlikely to encounter anyone else.

Beautiful views of  Jura

Cyclists are always seen along this road, from groups of experts to families on their holiday with youngsters just learning to ride on the road.
There is not always room for them to move safely to the side to allow you to pass, so please go slow enough to allow little ones to cycle in safety.

In various sections along the road you may also encounter horses and their riders enjoying a walk along the road, with so many twists and turns there could be anything around the corner!



Deer can often just appear in the road, sometimes a big Stag just stands there and waits for you to move out of his way!
Always be prepared to pull in suddenly! There are many passing places for you to pull into.
You need to give way to larger vehicles such as the forestry lorries and farm traffic you could encounter.
Also be aware motorcycles cannot reverse, so to keep heading directly towards them just means you, or they are going to end up in a ditch!
Please give way, be prepared to meet anything on the next blind bend from a small child, horse riders, dog walkers to a huge lorry or rutting Stag, anything is possible!
Most importantly, take care and enjoy the road, take your time and enjoy the twisty turny, beautifully unpredictable road safely.

Breathtaking Views, for miles

The general traffic varies....

Hotels In Tarbert

Rhu Wood

There are many fantastic Places To Stay In Tarbert.
Below is a list of hotels in and around Tarbert.
The links take you directly to their sites.
If your hotel isn't listed or you know of one I haven't listed please let me know and I will update this page.


Anchor Barge Hotel And Seabed Resturant is in the middle of Tarbert overlooking the harbour.
As well as their luxury hotel they now offer wonderful rooms aboard their Barge On The Loch!

The Islay Frigate is also in the middle of Tarbert with views over the harbour and a beer garden out the back.

Stonefield Castle Hotel is a beautiful Scottish castle built in 1837 overlooking Loch Fyne it is a beautiful retreat set in stunning grounds.

The Tarbert Hotel is easy to find in the middle of Tarbert overlooking the loch, stunning views and with everything on your doorstep, it's ideal for a holiday or a short break whild exploring the islands.

West Loch Hotel sits on the shores of West Loch, is a pet friendly hotel, ideal for hikers and their four legged friends, with breathtaking views of the loch and the hills, it is just a short walk from the centre of Tarbert.

A beautiful village

If you have a hotel in or near Tarbert and I have not listed it, please contact me with the details and I will add it to this page.

Aurora Dances Over Tarbert

Tarbert Harbour Photo by Terry Cawthorne

This is just a quick post to show some of the photos that are coming up on facebook this morning.

Yesterday I posted on the Visit Tarbert Facebook Page some links to Aurora Alerts.
I can't believe I missed it!
The Aurora Borealis danced over the skies of Scotland.



A massive thank you to Terry Cawthorne who posted these photos in the All Things Tarbert Facebook Group for letting me share these photos from Tarbert Harbour.

If you have any photos you have captured of the Aurora over Kintyre please share them on our Facebook Page and if you are happy for me to do so I will add them to this site.

If you missed it this time, bookmark this website for alerts, you can customise it to your area.
Hopefully it may still be active tonight, wrap up warm and get your cameras ready!

Tarbert Harbour Photo By Terry Cawthorne

Inside Out + Ricki And The Flash

Back on the 27th October, The Screen Machine is showing Inside Out at 5:30PM
Inside out is a "U" Rated 101 minute Disney Pixar Film.

Pixar is at the peak of its powers with this joyous coming-of-age story which is all about … emotions.
This is a story which takes place in two places at the same time - in San Francisco, and inside the head of 11-year-old Riley.

Riley has just moved there with her parents, and the emotions inside her head - the HeadQuarters - Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust - are trying to make sense of all the upheaval.
Joy is very much in charge of the delightful Riley's emotions, but since the move, Sadness is trying to become more involved.
Together they are flung to the furthest recesses of Riley's mind, and struggle to find their way back across an astonishing landscape.
A funny, dazzling, intriguing, delightful and unexpectedly beautiful animation, which matches up to Monsters Inc and Up!



At 8:30 PM The Screen Machine is showing Ricki And The Flash, a 12A rated film running for 101 minutes

Meryl Streep kicks ass as Ricki, the mother who ran away from her family to pursue rock stardom. But her career hasn't brought the stadium filling superstardom she hoped for, and she's working in a grocery store to supplement her income singing covers in bars with her backing band,

The Flash. Ex-husband Pete (Kevin Kline) calls to burst Ricki's bubble - their daughter Julie (played by Mamie Gummer - Streep's real-life daughter) has been dumped by her husband and could do with her Mum returning home to reconnect with the family she has long since left behind.

It's emotionally intense with great performance from the whole cast and some fantastic big musical moments.

For more information and to book tickets please visit The Screen Machine Website.

Bed And Breakfast Accommodation

30 Nov 2012

After a busy day exploring, there is nothing better than falling into a big comfy bed to prepare for the adventures of the days ahead.

Here in Tarbert there are many B&B's for you to choose from, however during busy seasons you should book in advance as spaces fill quickly.

Below is a list of B&B's in and around Tarbert, as always, if I have missed one out or you find an incorrect link, please let me know.



Ardglass B&B In an Elevated position with views over the harbour.

Bàrr na Criche House A quiet, secluded location surrounded by woodland and with views over the loch.

Bluebell Cottage 5 miles from Tarbert, just off the A83 after Kennacraig, ideal position for ferry hopping breaks.

The Cuillins is a pet friendly B&B with parking spaces and room for bicycles, ideal for stopping off while touring.

Dunivaig is a  Scottish Baronial style home with stunning views overlooking Loch Fyne.

Dunultach offers Self Catering or B & B

The Kilberry Inn, a restaurant with accommodation makes a wonderful base for exploring Argyll as well as the islands of Islay, Jura and Gigha

Knapp Guest House is right in the heart of the village.

The Moorings is a traditional stone-built fisherman's cottage in the heart of the fishing village.

The Old Smithy is a former Blacksmiths workshop.

Southcliffe Bed & Breakfast is within walking distance of all local amenities in the village.

Springside is a traditional Scottish cottage overlooking the harbour.

Starfish Rooms is in the centre of the village above the amazing seafood restaurant and gallery.

Struan House is a traditional harbour side dwelling.

A Beautiful Fishing Village