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{{about|the Scottish |
{{about|the Scottish town|}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
{{multiple issues| | |||
{{ |
{{EngvarB|date=May 2019}} | ||
{{Infobox UK place | |||
{{Refimprove|date=January 2008}} | |||
| gaelic_name = Dùn Omhain | |||
| official_name = Dunoon | |||
| type = Town | |||
| static_image_name = File:Harbour at Dunoon - geograph.org.uk - 49147.jpg | |||
| static_image_width = 280 | |||
| static_image_caption = Harbour at Dunoon, looking north over ] to the Firth of Clyde and Dunoon Harbour from ] (1997) | |||
| population = {{Scottish locality populations|name|POP=Dunoon}} | |||
| population_ref = ({{United Kingdom statistics year|ScotSettlement}})<ref>{{Scotland settlement population citation}}</ref> | |||
| unitary_scotland = Argyll and Bute | |||
| lieutenancy_scotland = Argyll and Bute | |||
| constituency_westminster = ] | |||
| constituency_scottish_parliament = ] | |||
| country = Scotland | |||
| coordinates = {{coord|55.9509|-4.9262|region:GB_type:city|display=inline,title}} | |||
| os_grid_reference = NS173769 | |||
| map_type = Argyll and Bute | |||
| map_alt = | |||
| map_relief = | |||
| post_town = DUNOON | |||
| postcode_area = PA | |||
| postcode_district = PA23 | |||
| dial_code = 01369 | |||
| edinburgh_distance_mi = 67 | |||
| london_distance_mi = 364 | |||
| website = | |||
| hide_services = yes | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Dunoon''' ({{IPAc-en|d|u|ˈ|n|uː|n}}; {{langx|gd|Dùn Omhain}} {{IPA-gd|t̪un ˈo.ɪɲ|}}) is the main town on the ] in the south of ], west of Scotland. It is located on the western shore of the upper ], to the south of the ] and to the north of ].<ref>{{cite web|title=OS 25-inch map 1892–1949, with Bing opacity slider|url=http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=13&lat=55.9668&lon=-4.9197&layers=168&b=3|website=National Library of Scotland|publisher=Ordnance Survey|access-date=12 October 2017}}</ref> As well as forming part of the ] of Argyll and Bute, Dunoon also has its own ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.community-council.org.uk/dunooncommunitycouncil/index.asp?pageid=72392|title=Dunoon Community Council | Home & Latest News|website=www.community-council.org.uk}}</ref> Dunoon was a ] until 1976.<ref name=chronicles/> | |||
__NOTOC__ | |||
{{Infobox UK place | |||
The early history of Dunoon often revolves around two feuding clans: the ] and the ]. The town was a popular destination when travel by steamships was common around the Firth of Clyde; Glaswegians described this as going '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/scottish-phrase-week-doon-watter-1522834|title=Scottish phrase of the week: Doon the watter|website=www.scotsman.com|date=21 October 2014 }}</ref> This diminished, and many holidaymakers started to go elsewhere as roads and railways improved and the popularity of overseas travel increased. | |||
|official_name= Dunoon | |||
|gaelic_name= Dùn Omhain <ref>{{cite web|url=http://allan171.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Dunoon.htm |title=Dunoon Scottish Gaelic |publisher=Allan171.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2012-12-19}}</ref> | |||
In 1961, during the height of the ], Dunoon became a ] to the ]. In 1992, shortly after the ], they closed their Holy Loch base in ], and neighbouring Dunoon suffered an economic downturn. Since the base's closure, the town and surrounding area are again turning to tourism, marketing to outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, as well as promoting festivals and competitions. The largest annual event held in the town is the ], which has been held since 1894.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cowalgathering.com/|title=Cowal Highland Gathering – World's Biggest Highland Games|first=SAMTEQ|last=www.samteq.co.uk|access-date=21 February 2017}}</ref> The ] has also been held in the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ancomunn.co.uk/nationalmod/moddetail/future-mod-dates|title=An Comunn Gàidhealach – Royal National Mod : Mod News|last=info@reefnet.co.uk|access-date=21 February 2017}}</ref> | |||
|scots_name= Dunoon | |||
|country= Scotland | |||
==History== | |||
|population = 13,200 | |||
{{see also|List of listed buildings in Dunoon}} | |||
|population_ref = <ref>{{cite web|publisher=EKOS Ltd|title =CHORD Programme Socio–Economic Baseline Dunoon Locality: Report for Argyll and Bute Council| url=http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Dunoon%20Socio%20Economic%20Baseline.pdf| date = 2010-12| accessdate =2016-01-14 }}</ref> <br /> | |||
est. 8,310<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data |title=General Register Office for Scotland - Statistics - Publications and Data |publisher=Gro-scotland.gov.uk |date=2009-12-07 |accessdate=2010-01-31 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916182939/http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data/ |archivedate=September 16, 2009 }}</ref> (2006),<br /> | |||
], looking southeast]] | |||
excluding ] | |||
]]] | |||
|population_density= | |||
|os_grid_reference= NS174764 | |||
] was built on a small, partly artificial, conical hill beside the ] in the 12th century, of which low walls remain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/40729/dunoon-castle |title= Dunoon Castle|publisher=Canmore |access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> It eventually became a royal castle with the ] (]s) as hereditary keepers, paying a nominal rent of a single red rose to the sovereign. ], visited Dunoon Castle on 26 July 1563 and granted several charters during her visit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townhistory3813.html |title=Gazetteer for Scotland: Dunoon |publisher=Scottish-places.info |access-date=14 December 2016}}</ref> In 1646 the ] of members of ] by members of Clan Campbell took place. The castle was destroyed during ], a rebellion in 1685 against ].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Rebellion, Government and the Scottish Response to Argyll's Rising of 1685 |journal=Journal of Scottish Historical Studies |volume=36 |pages=40–59 |doi=10.3366/jshs.2016.0167 |year = 2016|last1 = Kennedy|first1 = A.|url=http://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/ws/files/17846035/Author_Accepted_Manuscript.pdf }}</ref> | |||
|edinburgh_distance= {{convert|82.1|mi|km}} | |||
|london_distance= {{convert|434|mi|km}} | |||
In the early 19th century, the town's main street, ], stopped at Moir Street. Instead of continuing to ], it turned right at today's Sinbad's Bar. Before ] was built, beginning in 1873, the land was an open field, owned by ], leading to an area known as the Gallowhill. There were no streets and houses between Argyll Street and Edward Street. Argyll Street, roughly as it is seen today, was completed by 1870. Moir donated some of his land for the building of the Burgh Hall, but he did not get to see its completion; he died by suicide in 1872.<ref name=chronicles>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dunoonburghhall.org.uk/files/67999-DBH-Chronicles.pdf|title=Dunoon Burgh Hall ''Chronicles'', issue 1}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | |||
|latitude= 55.947 | |||
|longitude= -4.923 | |||
{{blockquote|Dunoon in the 21st century is overlaid with the ghost of a town which, in 1885, possessed two banks, 21 insurance agencies, 10 hotels, a gas company, two bowling greens, three weekly papers, the West of Scotland Convalescent Sea-side Homes (complete with Romanesque ] spa) and the lavishly appointed second homes of some of Scotland's most successful people.|''Saving the Hall'' (Jay Merrick, 2017)<ref name=merrick/>}} | |||
|label_position = left | |||
|post_town= DUNOON | |||
The two banks mentioned above were the ] and the ].<ref name="ColegateP7">{{cite book|author=John COLEGATE|title=Colegate's Guide to Dunoon, Kirn, and Hunter's Quay. Second edition. [With plates.]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AR5bAAAAcAAJ|access-date=30 December 2020|year=1868|publisher=John Colegate|page=7|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920232539/https://books.google.com/books?id=AR5bAAAAcAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> The hydropathic spa, meanwhile, was "an elegant new baths building, named Ardvullin, erected a little to the north of the village as a hydropathic establishment, where baths - hot, cold, artificial salt, and Turkish — may be had at moderate charges."<ref name=ColegateP8/> | |||
|postcode_area= PA | |||
|postcode_district= PA23 | |||
Many of the town's early villas had their own private bathing ground or boxes. | |||
|dial_code= 01369 | |||
|constituency_westminster= ] | |||
{{blockquote|The best bathing place for ladies is the West Bay. Gentlemen's bathing places: Rocks, foot of Castle Hill, deep at all states of the tide. Sand: beyond Baugie Burn, beginning of Bullwood, shallow and sandy. Rocks: behind ], available only at high water. Kirn Pier and Hunters Quay, deep water.|''Colegate's Guide to Dunoon, Kirn, and Hunter's Quay'' (John Colegate, 1868)<ref name=ColegateP8> - John Colegate (1868), page 8</ref>}} | |||
|unitary_scotland= ] | |||
|lieutenancy_scotland= ] | |||
The population of the united parishes of Dunoon and ] in 1861 was 5,444; in 1866 the estimated population of Dunoon, from Baugie Burn to ], was 3,000.<ref name=ColegateP12> - John Colegate (1868), page 12</ref> | |||
|constituency_scottish_parliament= ] | |||
|website= | |||
], viewed from ]]] | |||
|static_image_name= Dunoon Pier.jpg | |||
|static_image_caption= Dunoon, looking north from Castle Hill towards ]. The Victorian pier is to the right and the Queen's Hall is to the left | |||
During the ], as the main part of the Firth of Clyde defences, the Cloch Point-to-Dunoon ] boom was anchored to the shore in Dunoon below Castle Hill.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/239524/clyde-defences-cloch-point-to-dunoon-anti-submarine-boom |title=Clyde Defences, Cloch Point To Dunoon Anti-submarine Boom |publisher=Canmore |date=3 July 2013 |access-date=15 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bute-at-war.org/butewar.shtml|title=Bute during World War II|website=www.bute-at-war.org}}</ref> A ] and camp at ] in the south of the town provided one of the coastal defence gun emplacements that covered the anti-submarine boom and Firth of Clyde waters. There also was a gun emplacement atop Castle Hill. | |||
In 1961, as the ] intensified, the ]'s importance grew when the ] submarine tender ] brought ]s, ] to the Firth of Clyde at ]. ] protesters drew this to the public's attention.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19610515&id=oBI1AAAAIBAJ&pg=4603,2219229&hl=en |title=Anti-Polaris Protest at Dunoon. Angry Kerbside Exchanges |work=The Glasgow Herald |date=15 May 1961 |page=8 |access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> Holy Loch was, for thirty years, the home port of U.S. Navy ] and Dunoon, therefore, became a garrison town. | |||
In 1991, the Holy Loch base was deemed unnecessary following the demise of the ] and was subsequently withdrawn. The last submarine tender to be based there, the ], left Holy Loch in March 1992, leading to a major and continuing downturn in the local economy.<ref name=merrick>{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} - The Academy of Urbanism</ref> | |||
In May 2012, Dunoon and ] were jointly named as the rural places in Scotland most vulnerable to a downturn in a report by the ] looking at ninety places.<ref name="BBC vulnerable">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-18234531|title='Vulnerable' Scottish rural towns listed|date=28 May 2012|work=BBC News |access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/scotland-on-sunday/politics/revealed-our-rural-towns-on-the-brink-1-2320887|title=Revealed: our rural towns on the brink|last=Cowling|first=Emma|date=27 May 2012|work=Scotsland on Sunday|access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> | |||
==Government and politics== | |||
{{main|Dunoon (ward)|Argyll and Bute (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Argyll and Bute (UK Parliament constituency)}} | |||
Dunoon is represented in the ] by ], of the ] (SNP), who holds the ] seat.<ref>{{cite web|title=Scottish Parliamentary Election 6 May 2021 - Results|date=6 May 2021|publisher=Argyll and Bute Council|url=https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/scottish-parliamentary-election-6-may-2021-results|accessdate=14 June 2021}}</ref> Dunoon also lies within the ] ], from which a further seven ] are elected to produce a form of ] for the region as a whole. | |||
In the ], Dunoon is represented by the SNP's ], who holds a seat also titled ],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/politics/constituencies/S14000005|title=Argyll & Bute parliamentary constituency - Election 2019|access-date=2019-12-14|language=en-GB}}</ref> although this seat has different boundaries from the one used for the Scottish Parliament. | |||
] is the ] for the ] covering Dunoon. It is one of 32 such council areas across Scotland. Dunoon forms a single ward for elections to Argyll and Bute Council, electing three councillors via the ] system. At the last election, held in May 2017, one ] and one member from each of the SNP and the ] was elected to represent the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Unknown/declarationofresults_report_ward_7_-_dunoon_05052017_145118.pdf|title=Declaration of Results: Ward 7, Dunoon|date=5 May 2017|access-date=15 June 2021|publisher=Argyll and Bute Council|archive-date=16 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043343/https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Unknown/declarationofresults_report_ward_7_-_dunoon_05052017_145118.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Dunoon has a ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://argyll-bute.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e20e1ac847424abbbfced0a71faac0d6|title=Community councils map|access-date=14 June 2021|publisher=Argyll and Bute Council}}</ref> whose primary role is to represent the views of the community to the Local Authority and other public bodies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/council-and-government/community-councils|title=community councils|date=14 November 2012|access-date=14 June 2021|publisher=Argyll and Bute Council}}</ref> | |||
==Religion== | |||
], built in 1816]] | |||
There are a number of churches in Dunoon, including: | |||
'''Church of Scotland''': ] | |||
'''Roman Catholic''': Our Lady and St Mun's Church<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stmuns.com/|title=Our Lady and St Mun's Church Dunoon|website=stmuns|access-date=27 July 2020|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727130714/https://www.stmuns.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Other churches: | |||
{{columns-list|colwidth=20em| | |||
*Cowal Baptist Church<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/church/cowal-baptist-church-dunoon/|title=Cowal Baptist Church, Dunoon|date=24 September 2017}}</ref> | |||
*Dunoon Baptist Church Centre<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dunoonbaptistchurch.org/|title=Dunoon Baptist Church – Working, Worshipping and Witnessing for God in the community.|website=dunoonbaptistchurch.org}}</ref> | |||
*] | |||
*Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dunoon.inuklocal.co.uk/Churches/Kingdom-Hall-Of-JehovahS-Witnesses-11-6341|title=Kingdom Hall Of Jehovah'S Witnesses - Church - Dunoon Argyll & Bute UK|website=dunoon.inuklocal.co.uk}}</ref> | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Dunoon''' ({{IPAc-en|d|ʌ|ˈ|n|uː|n}}; {{lang-gd|Dùn Omhain}}) is a ] situated on the ] Peninsula in ], ]. It sits on the ] to the south of the ] and to the west of ]. | |||
== |
===Historical=== | ||
There is evidence of an ] at Dunoon from the latter part of the 15th century. No remains of the Bishop's Palace now exist, the site is now occupied by the playground of ], between Hillfoot Street and Kirk Street.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723230626/https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/final_dunoon_conservation_area_appraisal_and_management_plan_consultation_response_0.pdf |date=23 July 2020 }} - Argyll & Bute Council</ref> | |||
] | |||
'''Defunct religious buildings''' | |||
The "Victorian Pier in Dunoon", first built in 1835;<ref name="Visit">{{cite web|url=http://guide.visitscotland.com/vs/guide/5,en,SCH1/objectId,INF51877Svs,curr,GBP,season,at1,selectedEntry,home/home.html |title=Dunoon Pier at VisitScotland.com |publisher=Guide.visitscotland.com |date= |accessdate=2010-01-31}}</ref> and extended to the current structure which was built in 1895.<ref name="Visit"/> The Pier was shortened to allow the building of a Breakwater in 2005. The Breakwater was built just to the south of the Victorian Pier. As well as protecting the Victorian Pier and the Piers Architecture from storm surges, a new linkspan was also installed alongside the breakwater. This was to allow the berthing and loading of ] ferries instead of the side-loading ferries that used to serve the Victorian built pier. A tendering competition to serve the new linkspan between two interested parties, namely ] and local operator ], failed when both parties withdrew from the tendering process. Prior to June 2011 the pier was used daily by ], who ran a regular foot passenger and car-ferry service to ]. However after June 2011, the outcome of a renewed tendering process saw a passenger-only ferry service (], owned by ]) using the breakwater for berthing. The Victorian Pier was partially refurbished by ] Council during 2015.<ref>https://wpcluster.dctdigital.com/pressandjournal/fp/news/highlands/779902/victorian-pier-brought-back-to-life-by-Argyll-council/</ref> The pier no longer operates as a pier, but as a tourist attraction containing meeting rooms. The Breakwater is now the operational pier serving Dunoon. | |||
{{columns-list|colwidth=20em| | |||
*], closed 2023<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cowalkirk.org.uk/the-high-kirk-article-from-the-22-september-2023-edition-of-the-dunoon-observer/|title=End of an era as Dunoon's High Kirk set to close|website=cowalkirk.org}}</ref> | |||
*], demolished 1994 | |||
*Dunoon Free Church (built 1843), closed 2021<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freechurch.org/im-new/find-a-church/church|title=Church|website=Free Church of Scotland}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>, Frances Hindes Groome (1901), p. 444</ref> | |||
}} | |||
==Culture== | |||
Prior to the late 1960s, fleets of ]s brought holidaymakers ''doon the watter'' from ] to Dunoon and to numerous other piers on the ] Estuary. The '']'' the last surviving seagoing paddle steamer now berths at the breakwater when visiting Dunoon, during the Waverleys summer season on The ]. <ref>http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/</ref> | |||
===Architecture=== | |||
====Dunoon Pier==== | |||
{{main|Dunoon Pier}} | |||
] | |||
Dunoon's ] ] was extended to the current structure between 1896 and 1898.<ref name=hes> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620000852/http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB26450 |date=20 June 2019 }} – ]</ref> It was shortened to allow the building of a ] in 2005, just to the south of the pier. As well as protecting the pier and its architecture from ], a new ] was installed alongside the breakwater. This was to allow the berthing and loading of ] ferries instead of the side-loading ferries that used to serve the pier. A tender to serve the new link-span between two interested parties, ] and ], came to nothing. Prior to June 2011, the pier was in daily use by Caledonian MacBrayne, who ran a regular foot passenger and car-ferry service to ]. However, after June 2011, a renewed tendering process produced a passenger-only ferry service (], owned by Caledonian MacBrayne) using the breakwater for berthing. On 1 September 2004, during the construction of the breakwater, the cargo vessel Jackie Moon (82 metres in length) ran aground on the breakwater, with six people on board. Since the breakwater became operational in June 2011, Argyll Ferries operate from this docking facility. The ''Waverley'' struck the breakwater on 26 June 2009, with some 700 people on board. The pier was partially refurbished by ] during 2015. Now containing meeting rooms, it is purely a tourist attraction.<ref name=autogenerated6>{{cite web |url=https://www.piers.org.uk/pier/dunoon/ |title=Dunoon |website=National Piers Society |date=10 June 2015 |access-date=12 December 2016 |archive-date=21 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121174140/https://www.piers.org.uk/pier/dunoon/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
====Burgh Hall==== | |||
{{main|Dunoon Burgh Hall}} | |||
] | |||
Dunoon Burgh Hall opened in 1874, the work of notable Glasgow architect ], who is buried in ], a mile to the north. It is a ]-style building that housed the municipal offices and had a hall accommodating 500 people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dunoonburghhall.org.uk/|title=Dunoon's culture and events hub|publisher=Dunoon Burgh Hall|access-date=20 February 2017}}</ref> The ] building re-opened in June 2017, and is a fully accessible venue for exhibitions, performances and gatherings. Alongside a gallery and theatre, the venue offers creative workshop space, a garden and a café.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-40333428|title=Hall reopens as contemporary arts centre|date=19 June 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=21 May 2018}}</ref><ref name="theatres">{{cite web|title=Burgh Hall|url=http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/resources/theatres/show/3673-burgh-hall|website=Theatres Database|publisher=The Theatres Trust|access-date=20 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Argyll Street, Burgh Hall Building|url=http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB26439|publisher=Historic Environment Scotland|access-date=20 February 2017}}</ref> | |||
====Other buildings==== | |||
On 20 August 2021, several Argyll Street buildings were destroyed in an ] attack.<ref> – ArgyllBute24.co.uk</ref> | |||
===Landmarks and attractions=== | |||
] | |||
], also known as "Highland Mary" and "Bonny Mary O' Argyll", was born at Auchamore Farm in Dunoon. She had a relationship with the bard ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.castlehousemuseum.org.uk/post/the-creation-and-controversy-of-dunoon-s-highland-mary|title=The Creation and Controversy of Dunoon's Highland Mary|date=21 June 2022|website=Castle House Museum}}</ref> The ] was erected in 1896; it is prominently sited on Castle Hill, overlooking the breakwater in Dunoon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portaltothepast.co.uk/article/3345/Robert-Burns-and-Highland-Mary |title=Robert Burns and Highland Mary |publisher=Portal to the Past |access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220212633/http://www.portaltothepast.co.uk/article/3345/Robert-Burns-and-Highland-Mary |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite DNB12 |wstitle= Stevenson, David Watson |volume= 3 |pages= 413-414 |last= Caw |first= James |author-link= James Caw |year=1912|short= 1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB26437 |title=Statue Of 'Highland Mary' |publisher=Portal.historicenvironment.scot |access-date=11 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.robertburns.org/encyclopedia/HighlandHarry.449.shtml |title=Robert Burns Country: The Burns Encyclopedia: Highland Harry |website=Robertburns.org |access-date=22 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glasgowsculpture.com/pg_biography.php?sub=stevenson_dw|title=David Watson Stevenson (1842–1904), sculptor, a biography|first=Tim Gardner -|last=Webmaster}}</ref> The statue is a scheduled monument (LB26437). <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB26437|title=STATUE OF "HIGHLAND MARY" (LB26437)|website=portal.historicenvironment.scot}}</ref> | |||
The war memorial of Dunoon is located in the Castle Gardens, overlooking the pier.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/146053|title=Dunoon Cenotaph WW1 and WW2 - War Memorials Online|website=www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk}}</ref> | |||
The Queen's Hall is the town's major multi-function hall complex.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/theatre/queens-hall |title=The Queens Hall – Dunoon | Argyll and Bute Council |website=Argyll-bute.gov.uk |access-date=22 November 2016}}</ref> It is situated opposite the head of the Victorian pier and built in 1958. It was officially opened by ] on 11 August 1958.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sdpscotland.co.uk/events/dunoon-queens-hall-meet-the-buyer/ |title=Dunoon Queens Hall Meet the Buyer – Supplier Development Programme |publisher=Sdpscotland.co.uk |access-date=11 January 2017}}</ref> The building houses four function suites and a large main hall. The main hall has a stage with professional sound and lighting equipment, and attracted popular acts such as ],<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/16078247.pink-floyds-stormy-trip-to-dark-side-of-dunoon/ |title = Pink Floyd's stormy trip to Dark Side of Dunoon| date=10 March 2018 }}</ref> ], ], ], ], the ], ] and comedians ], ] and ]. In late 2015 the Queen's Hall was closed to enable a major refurbishment. In December 2016, it was announced that the refurbishment would not commence until January 2017.<ref name="Queens Hall refurbishment to commence">{{cite web | url=http://www.dunoon-observer.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10838:queens-hall-work-is-to-begin&catid=1:news&Itemid=19 | title=Queens Hall – Work to begin | publisher=Dunoon Observer | date=16 December 2016 | access-date=17 December 2016 | author=Gordon}}</ref> The Queens Hall reopened in August 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dunoon Queen's Hall handover complete |url=https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/news/2018/jul/dunoon-queens-hall-handover-complete-0 |access-date=15 January 2019 |website=Argyll and Bute Council |date=27 July 2018}}</ref> | |||
Riverside Swim and Health Centre, including an indoor pool (25m long) and associated facilities, located on Alexandra Parade. | |||
Dunoon Library is situated in the rebuilt Queens Hall at the Castle Gardens.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://liveargyll.co.uk/facility/dunoon-library/|title=Dunoon Library}}</ref> | |||
A small group of rocks, known as ], lie off the coast at Dunoon. The navigation beacon on the Gantocks in the Firth of Clyde is close to the coast at Dunoon. It was built in 1886.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/TheGantocks|title=Secret Scotland - The Gantocks|website=Secret Scotland}}</ref> | |||
The Clan Lamont Memorial, also known as the Dunoon Massacre Memorial, is on Tom-A-Mhoid Road close to Castle Hill. It was dedicated in 1906 and commemorates the ] of 1646, when the Campbell Clan attacked the Lamont Clan, killing over 200 people.<ref>{{Canmore | num= 183507| desc=Dunoon, Tom A Mhoid Road, Clan Lamont Memorial|access-date=21 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Clan Lamont Memorial, Dunoon|url=http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/warmemscot-post-42922.html|website=Commemorations Project|publisher=The Scottish Military Research Group|access-date=21 February 2017}} ''Includes several photographs''</ref> | |||
Local wildlife includes ], ], ], ], ], ], ]s, and many species of birds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://visitcowal.co.uk/discover-cowal/environment-and-wildlife/where-to-find-wildlife/|title=Where to Find wildlife – visitcowal|access-date=21 February 2017}}</ref> | |||
The ] Museum opens during the summer season. It holds historical information and displays for Dunoon and the Cowal peninsula.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.castlehousemuseum.org.uk/ |title=Castle House Museum Dunoon. History, culture, geneaology services, clans and exhibitions |website=Castlehouse Museum|access-date=22 November 2016}}</ref> | |||
===Festivals=== | |||
]]] | |||
The ], established in 1894, attracts contestants and spectators from all over the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=COWAL HIGHLAND GATHERING (1974) |url=http://movingimage.nls.uk/film/9437 |website=Moving Image Archive |publisher=National Library of Scotland |access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref> It is held annually over the final weekend in August at ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cowalgathering.com/ |title=Cowal Highland Gathering – World's Biggest Highland Games |website=Cowalgathering.com |access-date=22 November 2016}}</ref> | |||
Cowal Open Studios, held over a fortnight in September, gives the opportunity to visit the studios of artists around Dunoon and Cowal. | |||
Cowalfest celebrates the outdoors activities like rambling around Dunoon for ten days in October. | |||
Since the 1930s Dunoon has hosted the ] a number of times – 1930, 1950, 1968, 1994, 2000, 2006, 2012 and 2018.<ref name=SMO> for each year on ] website</ref> | |||
In 2013, the first Dunoon Film Festival was held over three days and opened with first public screening of '']'', a series made by the ] that had last been shown on television in 1990.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-22480356 |title=Your Cheatin' Heart to open first Dunoon Film Festival |work=BBC News|date=10 May 2013}}</ref> | |||
Overlooking the ] is a large statue of ]' love '']'', also known as ''Bonny Mary O' Argyll'', which is located on Castle Hill, just below the remains of the 12th-Century Dunoon Castle. Very little remains of the castle, which would originally have belonged to the Lamont family but became a royal castle with the ] (]s) as hereditary keepers, paying a nominal rent of a single red rose to the sovereign. In earlier times, ] stayed at the castle circa 1563 and granted several charters during her visit. The castle was destroyed during the Argyll Rising, a rebellion in 1685 against James VII. <ref>http://www.thereformation.info/Argyll%20rebellion.htm</ref><ref>http://www.euppublishing.com/doi/abs/10.3366/jshs.2016.0167</ref> | |||
==Transport== | ==Transport== | ||
Dunoon is accessible by direct land and sea routes and indirectly by rail at ]. | |||
] | |||
]'' leaves Dunoon Pier to sail up the ]]] | |||
=== Road === | |||
Dunoon is accessible by direct land and sea routes. Indirectly by Rail at ]. | |||
Dunoon lies towards the southern end of the ]. At its northernmost point, near ], this road joins the ] and provides access to the town by road from ] / Glasgow in the east, from ] / ] in the north and from ] in the west. | |||
===Road=== | |||
The Dunoon lies towards the southern end of the ]. At its northernmost point, near ], this road joins the ] and provides access to the town by road from the East ] / ] and from the North ] / ] and from the West ].<ref>http://www.transport.gov.scot/road</ref> | |||
===Ferry=== | === Ferry === | ||
There are two ferry operators who provide services from ] to Dunoon. | |||
Two ferry operators provide services to Dunoon from ], ]. | |||
Local company ] carries motor vehicles and foot passengers between ] and ], while ] subsidiary, ], runs the public service route, which is a foot passenger only service between ] and Dunoon Breakwater. <ref>http://www.western-ferries.co.uk/</ref>,<ref>http://www.argyllferries.co.uk/</ref> | |||
'''Caledonian MacBrayne''' | |||
===Train=== | |||
{{main article|Caledonian MacBrayne|Caledonian Maritime Assets}} | |||
At Gourock Pier, an ] train service provides access to the ]<ref>https://www.networkrail.co.uk/</ref> Network via the ] at ]. <ref>http://www.scotrail.co.uk/</ref> | |||
] livery, approaching Dunoon Pier]] | |||
The ] route provided by the ] owned Caledonian MacBrayne, which is a foot-passenger-only service between Dunoon Breakwater and ] pier, giving easy access to the ] Network.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.calmac.co.uk/gourock-dunoon-service|title=Gourock to Dunoon Service | CalMac Ferries|website=Calmac Ferries}}</ref> | |||
{{s-rail-start|noclear=yes}} | |||
===Bus=== | |||
{{s-rail|title=Ferry}} | |||
Public transport within Dunoon and the surrounding area is provided under Government subsidy by bus and coach operator ]. <ref>http://www.westcoastmotors.co.uk/timetables/dunoon-cowal-peninsula/</ref> | |||
{{rail line |previous=|next=]|route=]<br /><small>Ferry</small> |col={{CalMac color}} }} | |||
West Coast Motors' route 486 provides a regular return journey from Dunoon town centre to ], where it connects with a ] service 926 and 976 onward to ], ], ] and points in-between. <ref>http://www.citylink.co.uk/timetables.php</ref> | |||
{{s-end}} | |||
] operate route 907<ref>http://www.mcgillsbuses.co.uk/mcgills-bus-timetables.aspx</ref>, a frequent coach service from Dunoon town centre to Glasgow ]. The service travels aboard the ] crossing and operates via ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitcowal.co.uk/travel-information.html|title=Travel Information|accessdate=16 Sep 2011|work=Visit Cowal}}</ref> | |||
'''Western Ferries''' | |||
==Culture== | |||
{{main article|Western Ferries}} | |||
] current fleet ]]] | |||
Local company Western Ferries (Clyde) LTD, carries motor vehicles and foot passengers between ] near Dunoon and ] on the ], (Cloch Road). <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.western-ferries.co.uk|title=Western Ferries (Clyde) Ltd|website=Western Ferries}}</ref> | |||
{{s-rail-start|noclear=yes}} | |||
Dunoon has hosted the ] a number of times - 1930, 1950, 1968, 1994, 2000, 2006 and 2012.<ref name=SMO> for each year on ] website</ref> | |||
{{s-rail|title=Ferry}} | |||
{{rail line |previous=|next=]|route=]<br /><small>Ferry</small> |col={{ color}} }} | |||
==Tourist attractions== | |||
{{s-end}} | |||
===Cowal Highland Gathering=== | |||
{{main article|Cowal Highland Gathering}} | |||
'''Travel connections''' | |||
The Cowal Highland Gathering attracts contestants and spectators from all over the world. It is held annually over the final weekend in August. <ref>http://www.cowalgathering.com/</ref> | |||
For foot passengers at Gourock Pier, a ] train service provides access to the ] network at ], via the local service ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/stations-and-facilities/grk|title=Train to and from Gourock | ScotRail|website=Scotrail}}</ref> | |||
===Queen's Hall=== | |||
The Queen's Hall is the town's major multi-function hall complex. Situated opposite the head of the pier and built in 1958, the building houses four function suites and a large main hall. The main hall houses a full working stage with professional sound and lighting equipment, and in recent years it has attracted popular acts such as ],<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/scotlandfeatures/3937434/Pink-Floyd-on-the-Dark-side-of-Dunoon.html| title=Pink Floyd on the dark side of Dunoon| author=thescottishsun.co.uk| date=2011-11-15|accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> ], ], ]. ], the ], ]<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.nme.com/news/primal-scream/63349| title=Primal Scream announce June UK tour| author=nme.com| date=2012-04-20|accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> and comedians ], ] and ] among others. | |||
=== Bus === | |||
In late 2015 the Queen's Hall was closed to enable a major refurbishment. The works are expected to be completed and the hall reopened by May 2017.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/theatre/queens-hall| title=Queen's Hall Dunoon is now closed for major refurbishment| author=argyll-bute.gov.uk| date=2016-01-05|accessdate=2016-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/dunoon-regeneration-queens-hall-project| title=Dunoon regeneration Queens Hall Project - The Future| author=argyll-bute.gov.uk| date=2016-01-05|accessdate=2016-01-05}}</ref> | |||
Public transport within Dunoon and the surrounding area is provided under government subsidy by bus and coach operator ]. | |||
West Coast Motors' route 486 provides a regular return journey from Dunoon town centre to ], where it connects with a ] service 926 and 976 onward to Campbeltown, ], Glasgow and points in-between.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.westcoastmotors.co.uk/services/WCM/486|title=486 - Dunoon to Inveraray|website=West Coast Motors}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> ] runs from Dunoon Pier to ] six days a week.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2020-05-21 |title=SCOTLAND'S BERMUDA TRIANGLE |url=https://www.keybuses.com/article/scotlands-bermuda-triangle |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=www.keybuses.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
===Benmore Botanic Garden=== | |||
The ], part of ]'s ], is situated {{convert|7|mi|km}} north of the town, just before ]. The garden, formerly a private garden for the Younger family, is now open to the public. Its {{convert|150|acre|ha|disp=flip|sigfig=1}} feature some of the tallest trees in ], including an avenue of ], some of which are over {{convert|120|ft|m|disp=flip}} high. <ref>http://www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/benmore</ref> | |||
=== |
===Historical=== | ||
] | |||
Puck's Glen is a popular short walk in the region. A tumbling burn, criss-crossed by bridges, is enclosed by rocky walls heavily hung with mosses and overshadowed by dense trees. The walk has clear, waymarked paths. The Glen is named after Puck, Oberon's servant from ]'s '']''. | |||
] arriving at Dunoon Pier]] | |||
Modern Dunoon owes its existence to steam power; as late as 1822 there were only three or four slated houses, the rest of the residences being traditional Highland cottages.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Macdonald |first1=Hugh |title=Days at the coast : a series of sketches descriptive of the Firth of Clyde, its watering places, its scenery, and its associations |date=1878 |publisher=Dunn |location=Glasgow |url=https://archive.org/stream/daysatcoastserie00macd#page/346/mode/2up |page=346|access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref> In the ], the MP James Ewing from Glasgow is named as beginning the expansion of the village when he built Castle House close to Dunoon Castle.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mackay |first1=M |title=The new statistical account of Scotland |date=1845 |publisher=W. Blackwood and Sons |location=Edinburgh and London |page=607 |edition=Vol 7 |url=https://archive.org/stream/newstatisticala02unkngoog#page/n1236/mode/1up/ |access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref> The growth of the village increased from that time, paralleling the engineering-led growth of the steamers.<ref>{{cite web|title=OS 6-inch map 1843–1882, with Bing opacity slider|url=http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=55.9475&lon=-4.9320&layers=5&b=3|website=National Library of Scotland|publisher=Ordnance Survey|access-date=12 October 2017}}</ref> Other infrastructural advances also helped like the construction of a {{convert|130|yd|m|adj=mid|-long|abbr=off}} jetty in 1835.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Williamson |first1=James |title=The Clyde passenger steamers : its rise and progress during the nineteenth century : from the 'Comet' of 1812 to the 'King Edward' of 1901 |date=1904 |publisher=J. Maclehose |location=Glasgow |page=78 |url=https://archive.org/stream/clydepassengerst00willrich#page/78/mode/2up |access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref> From 1812 to the late 1960s, thousands of holiday-makers travelled ''doon the watter'' from ] and industrial ] to Dunoon and to numerous other town piers on the Firth of Clyde. | |||
In 1868, the following summer excursions by water could be had from Dunoon (going and returning the same day):<ref name=ColegateP13>{{cite book|author=John COLEGATE|title=Colegate's Guide to Dunoon, Kirn, and Hunter's Quay. Second edition. [With plates.]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AR5bAAAAcAAJ|access-date=30 December 2020|year=1868|publisher=John Colegate|page=13}}</ref> | |||
===Castle House Museum=== | |||
The Castle House Museum, which has been in existence since 1998, opens during the summer season. <ref>http://www.castlehousemuseum.org.uk/</ref> | |||
*], ''Chancellor'', 11 A.M. | |||
===Castle Toward=== | |||
*], ], 9.30 A.M. | |||
Castle Toward was built in 1820 and formerly owned by the Lamont clan. Situated {{convert|6.5|mi|km}} south of the town, past ], on the Southern tip of the ] Peninsula, overlooking ] Bay. Castle Toward was formerly owned by Argyll and Bute Council, who sold it on, to a private individual in 2016.<ref>http://www.thenational.scot/news/14898328.Castle_at_centre_of_community_buyout_controversy_is_sold_to_developer_for_just___1_5m/</ref> | |||
*], ''Hero'', 10.30 A.M. | |||
*], ''Chancellor'', 11 A.M. | |||
*], ''Vale of Clyde'', 9.15 A.M. | |||
*], ''Chancellor'', 11 A.M. | |||
*], ''Hero'', 10.30 A.M. | |||
*], ''Gael'', 9.15 A.M. | |||
*], ''Gael'', 9.15 A.M. | |||
*], ''Vale of Clyde'', 9.15 A.M. | |||
*], early steamer to ], thence per ] steamer | |||
*], various during the day | |||
*], to ] or ], ''Iona''; ], ], ''Hero'' | |||
*], ''Hero'', 10.30 A.M. | |||
*], ''Vale of Clyde'', or early steamer to Innellan, thence cross by Wemyss Bay Railway Steamer to ] | |||
*], ''Chancellor'' and ''Lochlong''; change at Blairmore | |||
*], ''Chancellor'' or early steamer to ], thence by rail to ], thence by steamer to ], where cross to Arrochar, and catch ''Chancellor'' returning, or vice-versa | |||
*], ''Chancellor'' | |||
*], ''Vale of Clyde'', 9.15 A.M. | |||
*], various during the day | |||
*Tarbert, ''Iona'' | |||
*], ''Vale of Clyde'' | |||
*Wemyss Bay, steamer to Innellan, thence cross by Wemyss Bay Railway Steamer to Wemyss Bay | |||
Only one ], the '']'', satisfies demand for this business today. It berths at the breakwater when visiting Dunoon during its summer season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13307769.The_Waverley__Paddling_doon_the_watter_for_40_years/ |title=The Waverley: Paddling doon the watter for 40 years |first=Marianne |last=Taylor |work=The Herald |date=9 May 2015 |access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> | |||
==Climate== | |||
==Education== | |||
As with the rest of the ], Dunoon experiences a ] with cool summers and mild winters. It is an exceptionally wet part of the country, particularly so for a place near sea level, with annual average rainfall totals nearing {{convert|2400|mm|0|abbr=on}} per year. The closest MetOffice weather station is at Benmore Botanic Gardens, around {{convert|7|mi|km|0}} north of the town centre. | |||
<!--]--> | |||
Dunoon is served by three primary schools. ] is on Hillfoot Street; this building was the original 1641 location of ]. St Muns Primary School<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/content/st-muns-primary-school|title=St Muns Primary School|first=Argyll and Bute|last=Council|date=3 November 2010}}</ref> is on Pilot Street and Kirn Primary School is on Park Road.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/content/kirn-primary-school-29|title=Kirn Primary School|first=Argyll and Bute|last=Council|date=31 January 2018|website=Kirm Primary School}}</ref> | |||
Dunoon Grammar School is located on Ardenslate Road in Kirn. | |||
Recorded temperature extremes since 1960 range from {{convert|29.6|C|F}} during July 1983<ref>{{cite web | publisher = ] | url= http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=13&year=1983&indexid=TXx&stationid=1874 | title = 1983 Maximum}}</ref> to as low as {{convert|-13.9|C|F}} during January 1982.<ref>{{cite web | publisher = ] | url= http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=7&year=1982&indexid=TNn&stationid=1874 | title = 1982 Minimum}}</ref> | |||
The ]' Argyll College has a campus in Dunoon, located in the West Bay, near the breakwater and Castle Hill.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/campuses/campus_argyll |title=Argyll College UHI |publisher=University of the Highlands and Islands |access-date=7 December 2016 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220100144/https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/campuses/campus_argyll |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
==Sport and recreation== | |||
=== National Cycle Route 75 === | |||
{{main|National Cycle Route 75}} | |||
Dunoon is on the NCR75 a route from ] to ] on the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/national-cycle-network-routes-in-glasgow-and-the-surrounding-area/|title=National Cycle Network routes in Glasgow and the West|website=Sustrans}}</ref> The National Cycle Network is maintained by ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sustrans.org.uk/about-us/|title=About us|website=Sustrans}}</ref> | |||
=== Dunoon Stadium === | |||
{{main|Dunoon Stadium}} | |||
] | |||
The town's sporting arena is Dunoon Stadium, which is located in the north of the town on Argyll Street. When it hosted ] matches, it had the largest capacity of any amateur ground in Scotland.{{citation needed|date=February 2014}} It later became the focal point of the Cowal Highland Gathering. Motorcycle dirt track racing (or speedway) was staged at the stadium on 18 June 1932 as part of the annual Dunoon and Cowal Agricultural Show. A demonstration event had been staged in May 1932. | |||
The Dunoon Youth Football League (DYFL), founded in 1981, is a voluntary organisation that teaches football skills to all interested children with ages between 4 and 17. The DYFL have their own clubhouse and changing facilities at Dunoon Stadium. All coaches are parents who have received coaching certification through the Scottish Youth Football Association (SYFA), and the club has a PGA officer and coaches with Sports Injuries First Aid certification. | |||
Cowal Rugby Club was formed in 1976. In 2008 it scored its first league victory in the ] Western Regional League West Division 2. | |||
Dunoon Amateurs F.C. was founded in 1975 and play football at Dunoon Stadium and Dunoon Grammar School. | |||
] was established in 2015; the shinty team started competing in South Division 2, in 2016. | |||
Cowal Golf Club is situated on the hillside above ]. Founded in October 1891, initially as a nine-hole course designed by Willie Campbell from ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.castlelachlan.com/activities|title=Activities|website=Castle Lachlan}}</ref> It was formerly an eighteen-hole course, reconstructed by ] between 1924 and 1928.{{cn|date=August 2024}} The current clubhouse was built in 1996. Due to financial issues, club assets were sold off in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.novaloca.com/commercial-property-leisure/for-sale/kirn/20-44-ardenslate-road/176046|title=Cowal Golf Course and Clubhouse, 20-44 Ardenslate Road, Dunoon, Kirn, PA23 8LT|website=Novaloca.com}}</ref> The golf club is still trading, although as a result of a land sale the course is now only a twelve-hole course. The club is now owned by "Cowal Golf and Lodge Resort Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/14428395|title=COWAL GOLF AND LODGE RESORT LTD overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK|website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk}}</ref> | |||
The two ] clubs in Dunoon are Dunoon–Argyll Bowling Club, on Mary Street, and Bogleha' Bowling Club, on Argyll Street. They are two of the 21 members of ]'s District 26.<ref>{{Cite web |title=District 26 {{!}} Bowls Scotland 2024 |url=https://www.bowlsscotland.com/club-finder/districts/district-26 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.bowlsscotland.com}}</ref> | |||
In 2006 and 2007, the town hosted a six-a-side ] tournament that attracted around 500 players and 1,000 spectators.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/5136888.stm |title=Dunoon swamped by football fans |work=BBC News|date=1 July 2006 |access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/6760245.stm |title='Swamp soccer' teams play dirty |work=BBC News|date=16 July 2007 |access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> | |||
Castle Tennis Club is situated in the town's Castle Garden. The club has two concrete and two all-weather courts, all lighted. | |||
Every year in June, the town hosts the Argyll Rally, a motorsport event that takes place on closed public roads around the local area. The rally counts as a round of the ] and brings competitors from all over United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://argyllrally.co.uk/|title=Argyll Rally Homepage|publisher=Argyll Rally|access-date=9 February 2019}}</ref> | |||
===Walks=== | |||
] | |||
Trails (walks, running and mountain biking) thread through the hills surrounding Dunoon. Corlarach Hill has ] routes for walkers, mountain biking and horse riders.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/?woodId=16085&woodName=corlarach-hill |title=Explore woods: Corlarach Hill |publisher=The Woodland Trust |access-date=11 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124221443/https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/?woodId=16085&woodName=corlarach-hill |archive-date=24 November 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/forest-parks/argyll-forest-park/corlarach| title=Corlarach |publisher=Forestry Commission Scotland |access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> These trails are located next to the ]. | |||
Puck's Glen is a popular short walk set in the hills close to ]. (The arboretum at Benmore Botanic Garden, formerly a private garden for the Younger family,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/dunoon/benmore/index.html/|title=Younger Family at Benmore|access-date=25 July 2020|archive-date=4 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404134334/https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/dunoon/benmore/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> is now open to the public. It comprises {{convert|150|acre|ha|order=flip|sigfig=1}} and features some of the tallest trees in ], including the avenue of ] (Sequoia), some of which are over {{convert|120|ft|m|order=flip}} high.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/benmore |title=Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Benmore Botanic Garden |website=Rbge.org.uk |date=8 March 2016 |access-date=22 November 2016 |archive-date=14 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414124901/http://www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/benmore |url-status=dead }}</ref> One of ] is the Grade 2 ] ], which was reopened in 2009 after an 18-month restoration.)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/gardens-benmore-botanic-garden-dunoon-argyll-1-471619 |title=Gardens: Benmore Botanic Garden, Dunoon, Argyll |work=The Scotsman |date=17 October 2009 |access-date=12 January 2017}}</ref> Part of the ], the Garden is {{convert|7|mi|km|0|abbr=off}} north of the town, just before ]. A tumbling burn, criss-crossed by bridges, is enclosed by rocky walls heavily hung with ]es and overshadowed by dense trees. The walk has clear, waymarked paths. The glen is named after ], from '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/forest-parks/argyll-forest-park/pucks-glen |title=Puck's Glen |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |access-date=22 November 2016}}</ref> | |||
Morag's Fairy Glen is a short gorge walk, with trails alongside the Berry Burn, located on the hill behind the West Bay area of Dunoon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/morags-fairy-glen-p250171|title=Dunoon Visitor Guide - Accommodation, Things To Do & More|website=Visit Scotland}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://explorecowal.com/2015/03/28/morags-fairy-glen-west-baydunoon/|title=Morag's Fairy Glen, West Bay,Dunoon.|date=28 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Morag's Fairy Glen |url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/348292/morags-fairy-glen |access-date=2021-05-31 |website=CANMORE national record of the historic environment |language=en}}</ref> | |||
The ] trail follows the shore of the remaining one of three reservoirs in the glen, that used to supply fresh water to Dunoon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dunoon Visitor Guide - Accommodation, Things To Do & More |url=https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/the-bishops-glen-p250161 |website=Visit Scotland}}</ref> The reservoir is damming the Balgaidgh Burn (Balgie) and is now a freshwater ] location.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dunoonangling.com/reservoir/|title=..Dunoon Reservoir|date=19 March 2015}}</ref> Access to the hills behind Dunoon, including Corlarach Hill, is available from the Bishop's Glen Reservoir trail. | |||
==Media== | |||
Dunoon's local weekly newspaper is the '']'', which was founded in 1871 in Sandbank by editor and proprietor William Inglis Sr.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dunoon-observer.com/index.php/history |title=History of the Dunoon Observer |publisher=Dunoon-observer.com |access-date=9 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LzY-AAAAIBAJ&sjid=BksMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3652%2C3916702 | title=Centenery Issue |work=Evening Times |date=29 March 1971 |page=4 |access-date=24 March 2024}}</ref> (The town once had three other newspapers, namely the ''Cowal Watchman'' (1876),<ref name=ord> - p. 1330</ref> ''Dunoon Herald and Cowal Advertiser''<ref> at WorldCat.org</ref> and the ''Dunoon Telegraph''.)<ref> at WorldCat.org</ref> | |||
Dunoon Community Radio was launched in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dunooncommunityradio.org/ |title=Dunoon, Cowal, Argyll, Scotland radio station, English and Gaelic programmes |publisher=Dunoon Community Radio |access-date=14 January 2012}}</ref> Broadcasting on 97.4 FM from the ''Dunoon Observer'' building, it is an independent social business entirely staffed by volunteers. | |||
==Notable people== | |||
* ], politician<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.majorcadailybulletin.com/news/local/2004/09/22/10137/double-act-for-conservatives-abroad.html|title=MP double act for Conservatives Abroad|date=22 September 2004|newspaper=Majorca Daily Bulletin|access-date=9 October 2022}}</ref> | |||
* ], architect, educated in Dunoon<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/architect_full.php?id=100275|title= Robert Alexander Bryden|publisher=Dictionary of Scottish Architects|access-date=9 October 2022}}</ref> | |||
* ], love interest of ]<ref name=ord/> | |||
* ], businesswoman<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising/carney-arrives-um-ny-64938 |title=Carney Arrives At UM in N.Y. | work=Ad Week | date=2003-06-16}}</ref> | |||
* ], minister, educated in Dunoon<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.clan-macpherson.org/scripts/viewmemdata.pl?record=retired04_caskiebio1 |title=The Rev. Dr. Donald Currie Caskie, OBE, DD, MA, OCF |work=Clan Macpherson Association |year=2012 |access-date=25 November 2016}}</ref> | |||
* ], spy, tried for espionage in Dunoon<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Guardian |date=20 June 1967 |title=German for sentence in secrets case |page=3 |location=Manchester |id={{ProQuest|185247880}} }} {{subscription required}}</ref> | |||
* ], architect, lived in Dunoon<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dunoon regeneration – Queens Hall Project |url=https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/dunoon-regeneration-queens-hall-project |access-date=2020-08-27 |website=Argyll and Bute Council's website|date=8 July 2014 }}</ref> | |||
* ], footballer, born in Dunoon<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mufcinfo.com/manupag/a-z_player_archive/a-z_player_archive_pages/houston_stewart.html|title=Stewart Mackie Houston|publisher=MUFC Info| access-date=9 October 2022}}</ref> | |||
* Sir ] (1870–1950), whose '']'' mansion stood just south of Dunoon on Bullwood Road<ref>{{cite web|author=Phil Miller |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/fly-me-to-dunoon-scottish-bid-for-de-niro-s-film-festival-1.1022542 |title=Fly me to Dunoon ... Scottish bid for de Niro's film festival |publisher=Herald Scotland |date=2010-04-23 |accessdate=2011-10-27}}</ref> | |||
* ], footballer, born in Dunoon<ref>{{soccerbase|id=17096|name=Neil MacFarlane}}</ref> | |||
* ], minister in Dunoon and Gaelic scholar<ref>{{cite book |last=Scott |first=Hew |title=Fasti ecclesiae scoticanae; the succession of ministers in the Church of Scotland from the reformation |volume=4|page=|date=1923 |publisher=Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd |url=https://archive.org/details/fastiecclesiaesc04scot |author-link=Hew Scott}}{{PD-notice}}</ref> | |||
* ], actor<ref>{{cite web |title=Sylvester McCoy |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2ba3c85b98 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528093240/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2ba3c85b98 |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 May 2016 |website=BFI |access-date=9 January 2022 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
* ], boatbuilder operating from boatyard near Dunoon<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ayrshirehistory.org.uk/Shorts/southern-cross.htm|title=Largs to Brisbane – Tragic Voyage of the Southern Cross|publisher=Ayrshire History|first= David|last= Hutchison|date= 21 May 2013|access-date=9 October 2022}}</ref> | |||
* ], politician, educated in Dunoon<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bff.org.uk/trustees/rt-hon-lord-robertson-kt-of-port-ellen/|title=Rt Hon Lord Robertson KT of Port Ellen KT GCMG|publisher=The British Forces Foundation| access-date=9 October 2022}}</ref> | |||
*], suffragette, born in Dunoon<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files/exhibitions/women-suffrage/arabella-charlotte-scott.html|title=Arabella Scott|publisher=National Records of Scotland| access-date=9 October 2022}}</ref> | |||
*], suffragette, family home was in Dunoon<ref>{{Cite book|last=Leneman|first=Leah|title=A Guid Cause: the women's suffrage movement in Scotland|publisher=Mercat Press|year=1995|isbn=|location=|pages=194–208}}</ref> | |||
* ], politician, educated in Dunoon<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scottish-places.info/people/famousfirst297.html |title=John Smith|publisher= Gazetteer for Scotland|access-date=9 October 2022}}</ref> | |||
* ], football manager<ref>{{cite web|website=]|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67484554|title=Neil Warnock was close to Hearts job and wants to manage in Scotland|date=22 November 2023|access-date=23 November 2023}}</ref> | |||
* ], politician<ref name="InghamHassan2003">{{cite book|author1=Bernard Ingham|author2=Gerry Hassan|title=The Political Guide to Modern Scotland: People, Places and Power|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c6SIAAAAMAAJ|access-date=30 December 2020|year=2003|publisher=Politico's|isbn=978-1-84275-048-3|pages=104–105}}</ref> | |||
==Gallery== | |||
<gallery mode="packed" widths="220px" heights="160px"> | |||
File:Dunoon Grammar School Hostel (geograph 5421634).jpg|Dunoon Grammar School Hostel | |||
File:Entrance to Dunoon Grammar School - geograph.org.uk - 3086981.jpg|Entrance to Dunoon Grammar School | |||
File:Northern Constabulary Pipe Band at Cowal Highland Games Dunoon Scotland (4949923566).jpg|Pipe band at the ] | |||
File:Dunoon from above the Firth of Clyde - geograph.org.uk - 1143850.jpg|Dunoon from above the ], looking west | |||
File:Dunoon Pier - panoramio.jpg|The eastern side of Dunoon Pier | |||
File:Highland Mary - geograph.org.uk - 430101.jpg|] statue | |||
File:Dunoon Castle Gardens - geograph.org.uk - 725762.jpg|] Gardens and war memorial, looking northeast to East Bay | |||
File:The Gantocks from Dunoon - geograph.org.uk - 734466.jpg|] from Dunoon, with Inverkip in the background to the east | |||
File:Castle Hill Dunoon - geograph.org.uk - 995905.jpg|Castle Hill, looking west | |||
File:Firth of Clyde, from West Bay, Dunoon, Cowal, Argyll and Bute.jpg|Firth of Clyde, from West Bay, Dunoon, Cowal, Argyll and Bute | |||
</gallery> | |||
==Geography== | |||
Dunoon is on the west coast of the upper ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/dunoon/dunoon/|title=Dunoon Feature Page on Undiscovered Scotland|website=Undiscovered Scotland}}</ref> and on the east coast of the claw-shaped ] ]. | |||
Much of the Cowal peninsula is covered with forest, particularly in the northern stretches and to the west and south with small patches in the south-east and east. To the north and north-west is the ] that was established in 1935.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/forest-parks/argyll-forest-park|title=Argyll Forest Park|publisher=Forestry Commission Scotland|access-date=30 December 2020}}</ref> | |||
===Climate=== | |||
As with the rest of the ], Dunoon has a ] with cool summers and mild winters. It is an exceptionally wet part of the country, particularly so for a place near sea-level, with annual average rainfall totals nearing {{convert|2400|mm|0|abbr=on}}. | |||
Recorded temperature extremes since 1960 range from {{convert|29.6|C|F}} during July 1983<ref>{{cite web | publisher = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute | url = http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=13&year=1983&indexid=TXx&stationid=1874 | title = 1983 Maximum | access-date = 3 November 2011 | archive-date = 2 June 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120602142538/http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=13&year=1983&indexid=TXx&stationid=1874 | url-status = dead }}</ref> to as low as {{convert|-13.9|C|F}} during January 1982.<ref>{{cite web | publisher = Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute | url = http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=7&year=1982&indexid=TNn&stationid=1874 | title = 1982 Minimum | access-date = 3 November 2011 | archive-date = 2 June 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120602142544/http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=7&year=1982&indexid=TNn&stationid=1874 | url-status = dead }}</ref> | |||
{{Weather box | {{Weather box | ||
|location = Benmore Botanic Gardens 12m asl, |
|location = Benmore Botanic Gardens 12m asl, 1971–2000, extremes 1960– (Weather station {{cvt|7|mi|0}} to the North of Dunoon) | ||
|metric first = Yes | |metric first = Yes | ||
|single line = Yes | |single line = Yes | ||
Line 174: | Line 405: | ||
|Dec precipitation mm = 282.98 | |Dec precipitation mm = 282.98 | ||
|year precipitation mm = | |year precipitation mm = | ||
|source 1 = ]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/mapserver/climatology.php?indexcat=**&indexid=RR&periodidselect=1971-2000&seasonid=0&scalelogidselect=no&minx=-798809.523809&miny=-4222857.142857&maxx=67857.142858&maxy=-3572857.142857&MapSize=560%2C420&imagewidth=560&imageheight=420&mainmap.x=296&mainmap.y=201&CMD=QUERY_POINT&CMD=QUERY_POINT#bottom | title = Benmore averages | access-date = 3 November 2011 | publisher = ] | archive-date = 2 June 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120602142554/http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/mapserver/climatology.php?indexcat=**&indexid=RR&periodidselect=1971-2000&seasonid=0&scalelogidselect=no&minx=-798809.523809&miny=-4222857.142857&maxx=67857.142858&maxy=-3572857.142857&MapSize=560,420&imagewidth=560&imageheight=420&mainmap.x=296&mainmap.y=201&CMD=QUERY_POINT&CMD=QUERY_POINT#bottom | url-status = dead }}</ref> | |||
|source 1 = ]<ref>{{cite web | |||
| url =http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/mapserver/climatology.php?indexcat=**&indexid=RR&periodidselect=1971-2000&seasonid=0&scalelogidselect=no&minx=-798809.523809&miny=-4222857.142857&maxx=67857.142858&maxy=-3572857.142857&MapSize=560%2C420&imagewidth=560&imageheight=420&mainmap.x=296&mainmap.y=201&CMD=QUERY_POINT&CMD=QUERY_POINT#bottom | title = Benmore averages | accessdate = 3 Nov 2011 | publisher = ]}}</ref> | |||
|date=November 2011}} | |date=November 2011}} | ||
== |
==See also== | ||
*] | |||
] seen across the ] with Dunoon on the left|left]] | |||
As the ] intensified, ] became internationally famous when in 1961 the ] ] tender {{USS|Proteus|AS-19}} brought ]s, nuclear submarines and ] protesters to the ] at nearby ], and Dunoon provided shore facilities. Holy Loch was, for 30 years, the home port of US Navy ]. In 1991, the Holy Loch base was deemed unnecessary following the demise of the ] and subsequently withdrawn. The last submarine tender to be based there, the ], left Holy Loch in March 1992, leading to a major and continuing downturn in the local economy. In May 2012, Dunoon and ] were jointly named as the most vulnerable rural places in Scotland to a downturn in a report by the ]. The "vulnarability index" ranked 90 Scottish locations according to factors associated with economic and social change.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-18234531 |title=BBC News - 'Vulnerable' Scottish rural towns listed |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date= 2012-05-28|accessdate=2012-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.scotsman.com/scotland-on-sunday/politics/revealed-our-rural-towns-on-the-brink-1-2320887 |title=Revealed: our rural towns on the brink - Politics |publisher=Scotsman.com |date= |accessdate=2012-05-28}}</ref> | |||
The US Navy base was the subject of the 1988 film '']'', starring ]. Many of the scenes were shot around Dunoon and the navy base itself. | |||
Holy Loch was also the location of the boat yard ], builders of the ] challenger ''Sceptre'', a 65-foot, 17-tonne yacht designed by David Boyd. | |||
==Sport== | |||
]. In view is the larger of the stadium's two ]s. Dunoon town centre, to the south, is in view.]] | |||
===Dunoon Stadium=== | |||
The town's sporting arena is Dunoon Stadium, which is located in the north of the town, near ]. When it hosted ] matches, it had the largest capacity of any amateur ground in Scotland.{{citation needed|date=February 2014}} Its main use nowadays is as the focal point of the Cowal Highland Gathering. Motor cycle dirt track racing (or speedway) was staged at the stadium on 18 June 1932 as part of the annual Dunoon and Cowal Agricultural Show. A demonstration event had been staged in May 1932. | |||
===Swimming Pool (Riverside Swim and Health Centre)=== | |||
This indoor pool and associated facilities is located in the centre of Dunoon, next to the ] on Alexandra parade. It consists of a teaching pool and a main pool (25m long). There is also a water flume. <ref>https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/riverside-swim-and-health-centre-swimming-pool</ref> | |||
===Swamp Soccer=== | |||
The UK national championships in ] were held in Dunoon in 2006 and 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/5136888.stm |title=UK | Scotland | Glasgow and West | Dunoon swamped by football fans |publisher=BBC News |date=2006-07-01 |accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/6760245.stm |title=UK | Scotland | Glasgow and West | 'Swamp soccer' teams play dirty |publisher=BBC News |date=2007-06-16 |accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref> For 2008 they were held in nearby ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7465475.stm |title=UK | Scotland | Glasgow, Lanarkshire and West | Village hosts swamp soccer games |publisher=BBC News |date=2008-06-20 |accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref> | |||
===Cowal Rugby Club=== | |||
Cowal Rugby Club is the home of rugby in the Cowal Peninsula in Scotland. Formed in 1976 the club reached its peak in 2008 with its first league victory in the Scottish hydro Electric Western Regional League West Division 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cowalrugby.co.uk/ |title=Cowal Rugby Club Dunoon Scotland | Cowal Rugby Club |publisher=Cowalrugby.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref> | |||
===Football=== | |||
Dunoon is home to 2 amateur football clubs, Dunoon Amateurs and Dunoon Athletic. These teams play matches at Dunoon Stadium and Dunoon Grammar School. | |||
The Dunoon Youth Football League (DYFL) is a voluntary organisation to provide development of football skills to all ages between 4 and 17. | |||
The DYFL have their own clubhouse and changing facilities at Dunoon Stadium. The DYFL is open for membership to all children between the above-mentioned ages. All coaches are parents who have received coaching certification through the Scottish Youth Football Association (SYFA), and the club has a PGA officer and coaches with Sports Injuries First Aid Certification. As of January 2015 the club had a membership of over 125 children. In the summer of 2016 the DYFL will celebrate its 35th anniversary of its foundation. <ref>https://en-gb.facebook.com/dunoonyouthfootballleague/</ref> | |||
===Tennis=== | |||
Castle Tennis Club in Dunoon is situated in the town's Castle Gardens, the club has 4 courts, 2 of these are concrete and 2 are all-weather and are flood lit. The clubhouse plays hosts to social events such as quiz,pool and darts nights. <ref>http://www.activescotland.org.uk/ServiceProvider/Facility/index.html?id=5c8a20fe-454b-4e3e-8722-9ae201039b3c</ref> | |||
==Media== | |||
===Newspaper=== | |||
Dunoon's local newspaper, published weekly on Fridays, is the '']''. There is an online edition at | |||
===Local radio=== | |||
On 1st December 2009, Dunoon Community Radio was launched.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.dunooncommunityradio.org/ |title=Dunoon, Cowal, Argyll, Scotland radio station, English and Gaelic programmes |publisher=Dunoon Community Radio |date= |accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref> Dunoon Community Radio or often called "DCR" by presenters has a variety of programming to meet the needs of people living in around Dunoon. Broadcasting on 97.4 FM from the Dunoon Observer building, Dunoon Community Radio is an independent social business entired staffed by volunteers. Visit online at: |url=http://www.dunooncommunityradio.org | |||
==Healthcare== | |||
Dunoon is served by ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/Services/Pages/DunoonHospital.aspx|title=NHS Highland Hospitals|accessdate=1 Nov 2012|work=NHS Highland}}</ref> which is run by ]. The hospital provides a 24-hour ] department along with a ] unit, ] ], ], and one general healthcare ward providing 10 beds. | |||
Ambulance cover is provided by the ]. The ] encompasses Dunoon within its catchment area, enabling rapid access to the skills of a consultant in emergency or intensive-care medicine, as well as facilitating transfers to larger, better-equipped city hospitals. | |||
==Notable people== | |||
]'', a residence of ] (now demolished)]] | |||
Possibly Dunoon's most famous resident was Sir ] (1870–1950), whose mansion, '']'', stood just south of Dunoon on Bullwood Road. After a fire, which burnt over half of it, it stood ruinous until c. 1980 when it and the stable blocks were demolished. Much of the grounds were subsequently sold for housing development. The development there today preserves the ''Laudervale'' name. | |||
Conservative Cabinet minister ] (Baroness Bottomley of Nettlestone) was born in Dunoon, as were former ] player and QPR manager ], actor ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sylvestermccoy.tv/biography/index.htm |title=Professional Biography |publisher=sylvestermccoy.tv |date= |accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=MARK FISHER |url=http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/performing-arts/interview_sylvester_mccoy_actor_1_2145222 |title=Interview: Sylvester McCoy, actor - Performing Arts |publisher=Scotsman.com |date=2012-03-01 |accessdate=2012-03-16}}</ref> ] of the ] band ] and Lyn-Z, artist and bass player for the rock group ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lindseyway.com/about.html |title=Lindsey Way |publisher=Lindsey Way |date= |accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref> | |||
], a professional footballer who reached the 2008 ] Final with ], was born in the town. | |||
], co-founder of British nail salon chain ] and former President of Marketing for ], was born in the town. | |||
===Local connection=== | |||
], who was born in ], briefly rented a house in Dunoon in April 1967. This provided him with a view of the activities in the Holy Loch Polaris submarine base that caused his imprisonment for espionage.<ref name=Guardian19670624>{{cite news |newspaper=The Guardian |date=24 June 1967 |title=Seven years for 'little fish' spy |page=3 |location=Manchester |url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/185157818 |accessdate=24 June 2012}} {{subscription required}}</ref> | |||
] nominated Actress ] has connections to Dunoon, as her mother is originally from the town.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article679114.ece?token=null&offset=12| title=Americans mine links with the old country|author=Sunday Times| date=2006-06-25| accessdate=2007-03-04 | location=London| work=The Times}}</ref> Moore still has family in the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dunoon-observer.co.uk/archive/arcfeb223.html |title=At Home in Dunoon |author=Dunoon Observer |date=2002-02-23 |accessdate=2007-03-04 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061007143303/http://www.dunoon-observer.co.uk/archive/arcfeb223.html |archivedate=October 7, 2006 }}</ref> | |||
], the writer of ] and ] comic books, moved from his hometown of ] to a renovated mansion just outside Dunoon,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/article546128.ece?token=null&offset=12| title=Time and Place: Growing up with a ghost| author=Times Online| date=2005-07-24 | location=London| work=The Times}}</ref> and spends part of the year in the town and part in ].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.scotlandontv.tv/scotland_on_tv/video.html?channel=Culture+Literature&clipid=1380_SMG794&bitrate=300&format=flash| title=Scotland On TV - Grant Morrison| author=Scotland On TV}}{{dead link|date=March 2012}}</ref> | |||
==Dunoon Grammar School== | |||
{{main article|Dunoon Grammar School}} | |||
Dunoon Grammar School was founded in 1641.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dunoongrammar.argyll-bute.sch.uk/aboutus_index.html |title="About Our School" - Dunoon Grammar School's official website |publisher=Dunoongrammar.argyll-bute.sch.uk |date=2004-01-01 |accessdate=2010-01-31 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317211139/http://www.dunoongrammar.argyll-bute.sch.uk/aboutus_index.html |archivedate=March 17, 2010 }}</ref> It has many notable former pupils, including the ] politicians ], ] (later head of ]), ] and the Reverend ], also known as the ]. | |||
==In popular culture== | |||
===In music=== | |||
In the late 1960s, it was the subject of a song entitled "Why Don't They Come Back to Dunoon?" by ]. This was a less-than-flattering ditty, mourning the declining tourist trade in the town. "There was a competition in a Glasgow newspaper," ] once said, in a short interjection during a 1969 performance of the song. "The first prize was a week in Dunoon, and the second prize was a fortnight in Dunoon."<ref>Connolly, Billy: '']'', 2001</ref> | |||
In 2014, ] revealed that the inspiration for his 2013 song "]" came from ]'s visit to Dunoon in 1995 and a view he had of the ]. "It was a beautiful misty evening,” he remembers.<ref name=scotsman> - '']'', 26 April 2014</ref> "There was a single ] in the loch – why it was there I don’t know. I had a very strong image of the loch and submarines and walking down the main drag in Dunoon after the gig, going to someone’s house for a party, and a song came out of it.” The song includes the line "walking down Argyll Street when the evening colours call".<ref name=scotsman/> Albarn also stated: "Now every time I sing "The Selfish Giant" I go back to that night in Dunoon, which was a really great night, a fantastic night." When asked if he would consider playing solo in Scotland, he replied: "I’d love to. Maybe Dunoon? Then I can walk down Argyll Street again."<ref name=scotsman/> | |||
==Churches== | |||
There are many churches in Dunoon and surrounding areas. | |||
* ] | |||
* Cowal Baptist Church<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cowalbaptistchurch.org.uk/ |title=Dunoon |publisher=Cowal Baptist Church |date= |accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref> | |||
* Kirn Parish Church | |||
* Holy Trinity Epicostal Church | |||
* Strone & Ardentinny Church | |||
* Dunoon Baptist Church Centre | |||
* ] | |||
* High Kirk | |||
* Kingdom Hall Of Jehovah's Witnesses | |||
* The Free Church | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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{{Commons category|Dunoon}} | {{Commons category|Dunoon}} | ||
{{EB1911 poster|Dunoon}} | |||
{{wikivoyage|Dunoon}} | {{wikivoyage|Dunoon}} | ||
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*{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} | |||
* (selection of archive films about Dunoon) | |||
{{Geographic location | |||
|title = '''Destinations from Dunoon''' | |||
|Northwest = ], ], ], ], ] | |||
|North = ], ], ] | |||
|Northeast = | |||
|West = | |||
|Centre = Dunoon | |||
|East = ], ] | |||
|Southwest = | |||
|South = ], ], ], ] | |||
|Southeast = | |||
}} | |||
{{Portal bar|Scotland}} | |||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
{{clear}} | |||
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Dunoon}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 22:19, 3 January 2025
This article is about the Scottish town. For other uses, see Dunoon (disambiguation).Town in Scotland
Dunoon
| |
---|---|
Town | |
Harbour at Dunoon, looking north over Dunoon Pier to the Firth of Clyde and Dunoon Harbour from Castle Hill (1997) | |
DunoonLocation within Argyll and Bute | |
Population | 7,660 (2022) |
OS grid reference | NS173769 |
• Edinburgh | 67 mi (108 km) |
• London | 364 mi (586 km) |
Council area |
|
Lieutenancy area |
|
Country | Scotland |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | DUNOON |
Postcode district | PA23 |
Dialling code | 01369 |
UK Parliament | |
Scottish Parliament | |
55°57′03″N 4°55′34″W / 55.9509°N 4.9262°W / 55.9509; -4.9262 |
Dunoon (/duˈnuːn/; Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Omhain [t̪un ˈo.ɪɲ]) is the main town on the Cowal Peninsula in the south of Argyll and Bute, west of Scotland. It is located on the western shore of the upper Firth of Clyde, to the south of the Holy Loch and to the north of Innellan. As well as forming part of the council area of Argyll and Bute, Dunoon also has its own community council. Dunoon was a burgh until 1976.
The early history of Dunoon often revolves around two feuding clans: the Lamonts and the Campbells. The town was a popular destination when travel by steamships was common around the Firth of Clyde; Glaswegians described this as going doon the watter. This diminished, and many holidaymakers started to go elsewhere as roads and railways improved and the popularity of overseas travel increased.
In 1961, during the height of the Cold War, Dunoon became a garrison town to the United States Navy. In 1992, shortly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, they closed their Holy Loch base in Sandbank, and neighbouring Dunoon suffered an economic downturn. Since the base's closure, the town and surrounding area are again turning to tourism, marketing to outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, as well as promoting festivals and competitions. The largest annual event held in the town is the Cowal Highland Gathering, which has been held since 1894. The Royal National Mòd has also been held in the town.
History
See also: List of listed buildings in DunoonDunoon Castle was built on a small, partly artificial, conical hill beside the Firth of Clyde in the 12th century, of which low walls remain. It eventually became a royal castle with the Earls of Argyll (Campbells) as hereditary keepers, paying a nominal rent of a single red rose to the sovereign. Mary, Queen of Scots, visited Dunoon Castle on 26 July 1563 and granted several charters during her visit. In 1646 the Dunoon massacre of members of Clan Lamont by members of Clan Campbell took place. The castle was destroyed during Argyll's Rising, a rebellion in 1685 against James VII.
In the early 19th century, the town's main street, Argyll Street, stopped at Moir Street. Instead of continuing to Dunoon Pier, it turned right at today's Sinbad's Bar. Before Dunoon Burgh Hall was built, beginning in 1873, the land was an open field, owned by James MacArthur Moir, leading to an area known as the Gallowhill. There were no streets and houses between Argyll Street and Edward Street. Argyll Street, roughly as it is seen today, was completed by 1870. Moir donated some of his land for the building of the Burgh Hall, but he did not get to see its completion; he died by suicide in 1872.
Dunoon in the 21st century is overlaid with the ghost of a town which, in 1885, possessed two banks, 21 insurance agencies, 10 hotels, a gas company, two bowling greens, three weekly papers, the West of Scotland Convalescent Sea-side Homes (complete with Romanesque hydropathic spa) and the lavishly appointed second homes of some of Scotland's most successful people.
— Saving the Hall (Jay Merrick, 2017)
The two banks mentioned above were the Union Bank of Scotland and the City of Glasgow Bank. The hydropathic spa, meanwhile, was "an elegant new baths building, named Ardvullin, erected a little to the north of the village as a hydropathic establishment, where baths - hot, cold, artificial salt, and Turkish — may be had at moderate charges."
Many of the town's early villas had their own private bathing ground or boxes.
The best bathing place for ladies is the West Bay. Gentlemen's bathing places: Rocks, foot of Castle Hill, deep at all states of the tide. Sand: beyond Baugie Burn, beginning of Bullwood, shallow and sandy. Rocks: behind Argyll Hotel, available only at high water. Kirn Pier and Hunters Quay, deep water.
— Colegate's Guide to Dunoon, Kirn, and Hunter's Quay (John Colegate, 1868)
The population of the united parishes of Dunoon and Kilmun in 1861 was 5,444; in 1866 the estimated population of Dunoon, from Baugie Burn to Hunters Quay, was 3,000.
During the World Wars, as the main part of the Firth of Clyde defences, the Cloch Point-to-Dunoon anti-submarine boom was anchored to the shore in Dunoon below Castle Hill. A Palmerston Fort and camp at Ardhallow Battery in the south of the town provided one of the coastal defence gun emplacements that covered the anti-submarine boom and Firth of Clyde waters. There also was a gun emplacement atop Castle Hill.
In 1961, as the Cold War intensified, the Holy Loch's importance grew when the U.S. Navy submarine tender USS Proteus brought Polaris ballistic missiles, nuclear submarines to the Firth of Clyde at Sandbank. Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament protesters drew this to the public's attention. Holy Loch was, for thirty years, the home port of U.S. Navy Submarine Squadron 14 and Dunoon, therefore, became a garrison town.
In 1991, the Holy Loch base was deemed unnecessary following the demise of the Soviet Union and was subsequently withdrawn. The last submarine tender to be based there, the USS Simon Lake, left Holy Loch in March 1992, leading to a major and continuing downturn in the local economy.
In May 2012, Dunoon and Campbeltown were jointly named as the rural places in Scotland most vulnerable to a downturn in a report by the Scottish Agricultural College looking at ninety places.
Government and politics
Main articles: Dunoon (ward), Argyll and Bute (Scottish Parliament constituency), and Argyll and Bute (UK Parliament constituency)Dunoon is represented in the Scottish Parliament by Jenni Minto, of the Scottish National Party (SNP), who holds the Argyll and Bute seat. Dunoon also lies within the Highlands and Islands electoral region, from which a further seven additional members are elected to produce a form of proportional representation for the region as a whole.
In the House of Commons, Dunoon is represented by the SNP's Brendan O'Hara, who holds a seat also titled Argyll and Bute, although this seat has different boundaries from the one used for the Scottish Parliament.
Argyll and Bute Council is the Local Authority for the council area covering Dunoon. It is one of 32 such council areas across Scotland. Dunoon forms a single ward for elections to Argyll and Bute Council, electing three councillors via the single transferable vote system. At the last election, held in May 2017, one independent and one member from each of the SNP and the Conservatives was elected to represent the town.
Dunoon has a community council, whose primary role is to represent the views of the community to the Local Authority and other public bodies.
Religion
There are a number of churches in Dunoon, including:
Church of Scotland: St John's Church
Roman Catholic: Our Lady and St Mun's Church
Other churches:
- Cowal Baptist Church
- Dunoon Baptist Church Centre
- Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
- Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
Historical
There is evidence of an episcopal seat at Dunoon from the latter part of the 15th century. No remains of the Bishop's Palace now exist, the site is now occupied by the playground of Dunoon Primary School, between Hillfoot Street and Kirk Street.
Defunct religious buildings
- High Kirk, closed 2023
- St Cuthbert's Church, demolished 1994
- Dunoon Free Church (built 1843), closed 2021
Culture
Architecture
Dunoon Pier
Main article: Dunoon PierDunoon's Victorian pier was extended to the current structure between 1896 and 1898. It was shortened to allow the building of a breakwater in 2005, just to the south of the pier. As well as protecting the pier and its architecture from storm surges, a new link span was installed alongside the breakwater. This was to allow the berthing and loading of roll-on/roll-off ferries instead of the side-loading ferries that used to serve the pier. A tender to serve the new link-span between two interested parties, Caledonian MacBrayne and Western Ferries, came to nothing. Prior to June 2011, the pier was in daily use by Caledonian MacBrayne, who ran a regular foot passenger and car-ferry service to Gourock. However, after June 2011, a renewed tendering process produced a passenger-only ferry service (Argyll Ferries, owned by Caledonian MacBrayne) using the breakwater for berthing. On 1 September 2004, during the construction of the breakwater, the cargo vessel Jackie Moon (82 metres in length) ran aground on the breakwater, with six people on board. Since the breakwater became operational in June 2011, Argyll Ferries operate from this docking facility. The Waverley struck the breakwater on 26 June 2009, with some 700 people on board. The pier was partially refurbished by Argyll and Bute Council during 2015. Now containing meeting rooms, it is purely a tourist attraction.
Burgh Hall
Main article: Dunoon Burgh HallDunoon Burgh Hall opened in 1874, the work of notable Glasgow architect Robert Alexander Bryden, who is buried in Dunoon Cemetery, a mile to the north. It is a Scottish baronial-style building that housed the municipal offices and had a hall accommodating 500 people. The Category B listed building re-opened in June 2017, and is a fully accessible venue for exhibitions, performances and gatherings. Alongside a gallery and theatre, the venue offers creative workshop space, a garden and a café.
Other buildings
On 20 August 2021, several Argyll Street buildings were destroyed in an arson attack.
Landmarks and attractions
Mary Campbell, also known as "Highland Mary" and "Bonny Mary O' Argyll", was born at Auchamore Farm in Dunoon. She had a relationship with the bard Robert Burns. The Highland Mary statue was erected in 1896; it is prominently sited on Castle Hill, overlooking the breakwater in Dunoon. The statue is a scheduled monument (LB26437).
The war memorial of Dunoon is located in the Castle Gardens, overlooking the pier.
The Queen's Hall is the town's major multi-function hall complex. It is situated opposite the head of the Victorian pier and built in 1958. It was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 11 August 1958. The building houses four function suites and a large main hall. The main hall has a stage with professional sound and lighting equipment, and attracted popular acts such as Pink Floyd, Blur, the Saw Doctors, David Gray, Morrissey, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Primal Scream and comedians Kevin Bridges, Bill Bailey and Roy Chubby Brown. In late 2015 the Queen's Hall was closed to enable a major refurbishment. In December 2016, it was announced that the refurbishment would not commence until January 2017. The Queens Hall reopened in August 2018.
Riverside Swim and Health Centre, including an indoor pool (25m long) and associated facilities, located on Alexandra Parade.
Dunoon Library is situated in the rebuilt Queens Hall at the Castle Gardens.
A small group of rocks, known as the Gantocks, lie off the coast at Dunoon. The navigation beacon on the Gantocks in the Firth of Clyde is close to the coast at Dunoon. It was built in 1886.
The Clan Lamont Memorial, also known as the Dunoon Massacre Memorial, is on Tom-A-Mhoid Road close to Castle Hill. It was dedicated in 1906 and commemorates the Dunoon massacre of 1646, when the Campbell Clan attacked the Lamont Clan, killing over 200 people.
Local wildlife includes seals, otters, dolphins, basking sharks, roe deer, red deer, red squirrels, and many species of birds.
The Castle House Museum opens during the summer season. It holds historical information and displays for Dunoon and the Cowal peninsula.
Festivals
The Cowal Highland Gathering, established in 1894, attracts contestants and spectators from all over the world. It is held annually over the final weekend in August at Dunoon Stadium.
Cowal Open Studios, held over a fortnight in September, gives the opportunity to visit the studios of artists around Dunoon and Cowal.
Cowalfest celebrates the outdoors activities like rambling around Dunoon for ten days in October.
Since the 1930s Dunoon has hosted the Royal National Mòd a number of times – 1930, 1950, 1968, 1994, 2000, 2006, 2012 and 2018.
In 2013, the first Dunoon Film Festival was held over three days and opened with first public screening of Your Cheatin' Heart, a series made by the BBC that had last been shown on television in 1990.
Transport
Dunoon is accessible by direct land and sea routes and indirectly by rail at Gourock.
Road
Dunoon lies towards the southern end of the A815 road. At its northernmost point, near Cairndow, this road joins the A83 and provides access to the town by road from Loch Lomond / Glasgow in the east, from Inveraray / Oban in the north and from Campbeltown in the west.
Ferry
Two ferry operators provide services to Dunoon from Gourock, Inverclyde.
Caledonian MacBrayne
Main articles: Caledonian MacBrayne and Caledonian Maritime AssetsThe public service route provided by the Scottish Government owned Caledonian MacBrayne, which is a foot-passenger-only service between Dunoon Breakwater and Gourock pier, giving easy access to the National Rail Network.
Preceding station | Ferry | Following station | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Terminus | Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry |
Gourock |
Western Ferries
Local company Western Ferries (Clyde) LTD, carries motor vehicles and foot passengers between Hunters Quay near Dunoon and McInroy's Point on the A770, (Cloch Road).
Preceding station | Ferry | Following station | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Terminus | Western Ferries Ferry |
McInroy's Point |
Travel connections
For foot passengers at Gourock Pier, a ScotRail train service provides access to the National Rail network at Glasgow Central, via the local service Inverclyde Line.
Bus
Public transport within Dunoon and the surrounding area is provided under government subsidy by bus and coach operator West Coast Motors.
West Coast Motors' route 486 provides a regular return journey from Dunoon town centre to Inveraray, where it connects with a Scottish Citylink service 926 and 976 onward to Campbeltown, Oban, Glasgow and points in-between. Route 478 runs from Dunoon Pier to Portavadie six days a week.
Historical
Modern Dunoon owes its existence to steam power; as late as 1822 there were only three or four slated houses, the rest of the residences being traditional Highland cottages. In the New Statistical Account, the MP James Ewing from Glasgow is named as beginning the expansion of the village when he built Castle House close to Dunoon Castle. The growth of the village increased from that time, paralleling the engineering-led growth of the steamers. Other infrastructural advances also helped like the construction of a 130-yard-long (120-metre) jetty in 1835. From 1812 to the late 1960s, thousands of holiday-makers travelled doon the watter from Glasgow and industrial Lanarkshire to Dunoon and to numerous other town piers on the Firth of Clyde.
In 1868, the following summer excursions by water could be had from Dunoon (going and returning the same day):
- Ardentinny, Chancellor, 11 A.M.
- Ardrishaig, Iona, 9.30 A.M.
- Arran, Hero, 10.30 A.M.
- Arrochar, Chancellor, 11 A.M.
- Ayr, Vale of Clyde, 9.15 A.M.
- Blairmore, Chancellor, 11 A.M.
- Brodick, Hero, 10.30 A.M.
- Campbeltown, Gael, 9.15 A.M.
- Carradale, Gael, 9.15 A.M.
- Fairlie, Vale of Clyde, 9.15 A.M.
- Gareloch, early steamer to Greenock, thence per Garelochhead steamer
- Innellan, various during the day
- Kyles of Bute, to Tighnabruaich or Colintraive, Iona; Kilchattan Bay, Bute, Hero
- Lamlash, Hero, 10.30 A.M.
- Largs, Vale of Clyde, or early steamer to Innellan, thence cross by Wemyss Bay Railway Steamer to Wemyss Bay
- Lochgoil, Chancellor and Lochlong; change at Blairmore
- Loch Lomond, Chancellor or early steamer to Bowling, thence by rail to Balloch, thence by steamer to Tarbert, where cross to Arrochar, and catch Chancellor returning, or vice-versa
- Loch Long, Chancellor
- Millport, Vale of Clyde, 9.15 A.M.
- Rothesay, various during the day
- Tarbert, Iona
- Troon, Vale of Clyde
- Wemyss Bay, steamer to Innellan, thence cross by Wemyss Bay Railway Steamer to Wemyss Bay
Only one Clyde steamer, the Waverley, satisfies demand for this business today. It berths at the breakwater when visiting Dunoon during its summer season.
Education
Dunoon is served by three primary schools. Dunoon Primary School is on Hillfoot Street; this building was the original 1641 location of Dunoon Grammar School. St Muns Primary School is on Pilot Street and Kirn Primary School is on Park Road.
Dunoon Grammar School is located on Ardenslate Road in Kirn.
The University of the Highlands and Islands' Argyll College has a campus in Dunoon, located in the West Bay, near the breakwater and Castle Hill.
Sport and recreation
National Cycle Route 75
Main article: National Cycle Route 75Dunoon is on the NCR75 a route from Edinburgh to Tarbert on the Kintyre peninsula. The National Cycle Network is maintained by sustrans.
Dunoon Stadium
Main article: Dunoon StadiumThe town's sporting arena is Dunoon Stadium, which is located in the north of the town on Argyll Street. When it hosted football matches, it had the largest capacity of any amateur ground in Scotland. It later became the focal point of the Cowal Highland Gathering. Motorcycle dirt track racing (or speedway) was staged at the stadium on 18 June 1932 as part of the annual Dunoon and Cowal Agricultural Show. A demonstration event had been staged in May 1932.
The Dunoon Youth Football League (DYFL), founded in 1981, is a voluntary organisation that teaches football skills to all interested children with ages between 4 and 17. The DYFL have their own clubhouse and changing facilities at Dunoon Stadium. All coaches are parents who have received coaching certification through the Scottish Youth Football Association (SYFA), and the club has a PGA officer and coaches with Sports Injuries First Aid certification.
Cowal Rugby Club was formed in 1976. In 2008 it scored its first league victory in the Scottish Hydro Electric Western Regional League West Division 2.
Dunoon Amateurs F.C. was founded in 1975 and play football at Dunoon Stadium and Dunoon Grammar School.
Dunoon Camanachd was established in 2015; the shinty team started competing in South Division 2, in 2016.
Cowal Golf Club is situated on the hillside above Kirn. Founded in October 1891, initially as a nine-hole course designed by Willie Campbell from Bridge of Weir. It was formerly an eighteen-hole course, reconstructed by James Braid between 1924 and 1928. The current clubhouse was built in 1996. Due to financial issues, club assets were sold off in 2020. The golf club is still trading, although as a result of a land sale the course is now only a twelve-hole course. The club is now owned by "Cowal Golf and Lodge Resort Ltd.
The two bowling clubs in Dunoon are Dunoon–Argyll Bowling Club, on Mary Street, and Bogleha' Bowling Club, on Argyll Street. They are two of the 21 members of Bowls Scotland's District 26.
In 2006 and 2007, the town hosted a six-a-side swamp football tournament that attracted around 500 players and 1,000 spectators.
Castle Tennis Club is situated in the town's Castle Garden. The club has two concrete and two all-weather courts, all lighted.
Every year in June, the town hosts the Argyll Rally, a motorsport event that takes place on closed public roads around the local area. The rally counts as a round of the Scottish Rally Championship and brings competitors from all over United Kingdom.
Walks
Trails (walks, running and mountain biking) thread through the hills surrounding Dunoon. Corlarach Hill has waymarked routes for walkers, mountain biking and horse riders. These trails are located next to the Bishop's Glen.
Puck's Glen is a popular short walk set in the hills close to Benmore Botanic Garden. (The arboretum at Benmore Botanic Garden, formerly a private garden for the Younger family, is now open to the public. It comprises 60 hectares (150 acres) and features some of the tallest trees in Britain, including the avenue of Giant Redwoods (Sequoia), some of which are over 37 metres (120 ft) high. One of Dunoon's listed buildings is the Grade 2 Victorian fernery, which was reopened in 2009 after an 18-month restoration.) Part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the Garden is 7 miles (11 kilometres) north of the town, just before Loch Eck. A tumbling burn, criss-crossed by bridges, is enclosed by rocky walls heavily hung with mosses and overshadowed by dense trees. The walk has clear, waymarked paths. The glen is named after Puck, from A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Morag's Fairy Glen is a short gorge walk, with trails alongside the Berry Burn, located on the hill behind the West Bay area of Dunoon.
The Bishop's Glen Reservoir trail follows the shore of the remaining one of three reservoirs in the glen, that used to supply fresh water to Dunoon. The reservoir is damming the Balgaidgh Burn (Balgie) and is now a freshwater fly fishing location. Access to the hills behind Dunoon, including Corlarach Hill, is available from the Bishop's Glen Reservoir trail.
Media
Dunoon's local weekly newspaper is the Dunoon Observer and Argyllshire Standard, which was founded in 1871 in Sandbank by editor and proprietor William Inglis Sr. (The town once had three other newspapers, namely the Cowal Watchman (1876), Dunoon Herald and Cowal Advertiser and the Dunoon Telegraph.)
Dunoon Community Radio was launched in 2009. Broadcasting on 97.4 FM from the Dunoon Observer building, it is an independent social business entirely staffed by volunteers.
Notable people
- Virginia Bottomley, politician
- Robert Alexander Bryden, architect, educated in Dunoon
- Mary Campbell, love interest of Robert Burns
- MT Carney, businesswoman
- Donald Caskie, minister, educated in Dunoon
- Peter Dorschel, spy, tried for espionage in Dunoon
- William Fraser, architect, lived in Dunoon
- Stewart Houston, footballer, born in Dunoon
- Sir Harry Lauder (1870–1950), whose Laudervale mansion stood just south of Dunoon on Bullwood Road
- Neil MacFarlane, footballer, born in Dunoon
- Mackintosh MacKay, minister in Dunoon and Gaelic scholar
- Sylvester McCoy, actor
- Alexander Robertson, boatbuilder operating from boatyard near Dunoon
- George Robertson, politician, educated in Dunoon
- Arabella Scott, suffragette, born in Dunoon
- Muriel Scott, suffragette, family home was in Dunoon
- John Smith, politician, educated in Dunoon
- Neil Warnock, football manager
- Brian Wilson, politician
Gallery
- Dunoon Grammar School Hostel
- Entrance to Dunoon Grammar School
- Pipe band at the Cowal Highland Gathering
- Dunoon from above the Firth of Clyde, looking west
- The eastern side of Dunoon Pier
- Highland Mary statue
- Castle House Gardens and war memorial, looking northeast to East Bay
- The Gantocks from Dunoon, with Inverkip in the background to the east
- Castle Hill, looking west
- Firth of Clyde, from West Bay, Dunoon, Cowal, Argyll and Bute
Geography
Dunoon is on the west coast of the upper Firth of Clyde, and on the east coast of the claw-shaped Cowal peninsula.
Much of the Cowal peninsula is covered with forest, particularly in the northern stretches and to the west and south with small patches in the south-east and east. To the north and north-west is the Argyll Forest Park that was established in 1935.
Climate
As with the rest of the British Isles, Dunoon has a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. It is an exceptionally wet part of the country, particularly so for a place near sea-level, with annual average rainfall totals nearing 2,400 mm (94 in).
Recorded temperature extremes since 1960 range from 29.6 °C (85.3 °F) during July 1983 to as low as −13.9 °C (7.0 °F) during January 1982.
Climate data for Benmore Botanic Gardens 12m asl, 1971–2000, extremes 1960– (Weather station 7 mi (11 km) to the North of Dunoon) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 14.4 (57.9) |
14.5 (58.1) |
17.2 (63.0) |
23.6 (74.5) |
27.0 (80.6) |
28.9 (84.0) |
29.6 (85.3) |
29.0 (84.2) |
25.1 (77.2) |
21.7 (71.1) |
16.5 (61.7) |
14.2 (57.6) |
29.6 (85.3) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 6.5 (43.7) |
6.8 (44.2) |
8.6 (47.5) |
11.4 (52.5) |
14.9 (58.8) |
16.8 (62.2) |
18.4 (65.1) |
18.0 (64.4) |
15.3 (59.5) |
12.2 (54.0) |
8.9 (48.0) |
7.2 (45.0) |
12.1 (53.8) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 1.0 (33.8) |
1.3 (34.3) |
2.2 (36.0) |
3.4 (38.1) |
5.8 (42.4) |
8.5 (47.3) |
10.7 (51.3) |
10.4 (50.7) |
8.6 (47.5) |
6.1 (43.0) |
2.9 (37.2) |
1.7 (35.1) |
5.2 (41.4) |
Record low °C (°F) | −13.9 (7.0) |
−11.1 (12.0) |
−11.1 (12.0) |
−4.4 (24.1) |
−2.5 (27.5) |
−0.6 (30.9) |
2.2 (36.0) |
2.6 (36.7) |
−0.9 (30.4) |
−4.1 (24.6) |
−6.8 (19.8) |
−11.5 (11.3) |
−13.9 (7.0) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 298.76 (11.76) |
214.43 (8.44) |
233.63 (9.20) |
119.48 (4.70) |
105.12 (4.14) |
108.54 (4.27) |
127.66 (5.03) |
160.85 (6.33) |
220.49 (8.68) |
257.6 (10.14) |
257.82 (10.15) |
282.98 (11.14) |
2,387.36 (93.98) |
Source: Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute |
See also
References
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External links
- Map sources for Dunoon
Destinations from Dunoon | ||||||||||||||||
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