About the area
Between Bute and the Cowal Peninsula lie the Kyles (‘narrows’) of Bute, a stretch of sea lochs famous for its beautiful scenery and small sheltered anchorages.
Magical to sail, these waters are lined with temperate Atlantic oak forest, pebble beaches, smooth flat diving rocks and many tiny islands, making them a wonder to explore.
The wildlife in these coastal waters is varied and abundant: diving gannets, seals, otters, porpoises, dolphins — even whales and eagles — are seen often on the Kyles.
Tighnabruaich Boatyard and Moorings are nestled perfectly on what is known locally as Argyll’s “Secret Coast”, a breathtakingly beautiful part of Scotland where you can find many tranquil, secluded places to anchor after a day’s cruising. Book a visitor mooring
There are so many wonderful things to do on Argyll’s Secret Coast, but to mention two personal favourites in the area, we’d recommend the Scottish Sculpture Park, a trail through amphitheatre styled gardens and woodland filled with beautiful and curious sculptures, and Mount Stuart on Bute. This historic house, dating from 1719, displays an astonishing mix of architectural styles with stunning interior craftsmanship and expansive gardens.
Excellent meals created with locally sourced ingredients can be enjoyed at the must-visit Colintraive Hotel and Tighnabruaich’s gem of a restaurant, Tide and Thyme.
Duncan and Islay are delighted to offer a boating facility in Tighnabruaich and couldn't be happier to live by the sea and be on the water as much as possible!
Duncan grew up sailing in Fair Emma, the Henderson’s Westerly Fulmar, and together with another family they travelled the west coast extensively as children and beyond.
Islay grew up in Orkney, where the weather is often so wild that the boat mostly sat on its cradle in the front yard! Since moving to the coast, boating has happily become a huge part of their lives.
Duncan and Islay have a tea plantation at Glen Caladh Farm, and are currently developing their first premium organic tea.
To learn more about Glen Caladh Farm, visit their Facebook page and follow them on Instagram.