Mid-Argyll, Cowal & Bute area profile
Mid-Argyll is the area immediately north of Kintyre extending as far north as Kilmelford and separated from the Cowal peninsula by Loch Fyne. The two areas merge at the head of the loch at Cairndow. On its eastern margin Cowal borders the Firth of Clyde looking towards the Inverclyde area. The island of Bute lies to the south of Cowal in the Kyles of Bute. The combined population of the three areas is approximately 28,000 with the principal settlements being Dunoon (Cowal), the largest town in the AIE area with around 9,000 inhabitants, Rothesay (Bute) with a population of 6,000 and the contiguous towns of Lochgilphead and Ardrishaig in Mid-Argyll which have a combined population of 3,500. The local authority for the whole area is Argyll and Bute Council. Transport Ferries: Cowal is served by two ferry services, run by Caledonian MacBrayne and Western Ferries respectively. Both services operate between the Dunoon and Gourock areas. There are two routes onto the island of Bute, the more accessible being the Wemyss Bay to Rothesay service, which takes a little over half an hour by sea. The second route is via Cowal and utilises the Colintraive to Rhubodach service (5 minute crossing). Both services are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. Road: Mid-Argyll - The main road from Mid-Argyll to Scotland's central belt is the A83. Lochgilphead, the administrative capital of Argyll and the Islands, is approximately 85 miles from Glasgow, a journey which takes around one hour and forty-five minutes by car. Heading south from Lochgilphead it is approximately 14 miles to Tarbert and 52 to Campbeltown. Journey times are around 20 minutes to the former and one hour to the latter. Oban is 38 miles to the north of Lochgilphead and drivers should allow around 60 minutes for this journey. A network of regular bus services provided by West Coast Motors/Citylink cover the area. Air: The nearest airport for the area is Glasgow. Transport services:
Education There are secondary schools at Lochgilphead, Dunoon and Rothesay offering education up to 6th year. Lochgilphead High School draws its pupils from primary schools in Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig, Achahoish, Achnamara, Craignish, Kilmartin, Inveraray, Tayvallich, Minard, Furnace and Kilmichael Glassary. Dunoon Grammar School draws its pupils from primary schools in Dunoon, Sandbank, Glendaruel, Kirn, Strachur and Tighnabruaich. Rothesay Academy draws its pupils from primary schools in Rothesay and Port Bannatyne. Further education is available in the areas through Argyll College learning centres at Lochgilphead, Dunoon and Rothesay. Healthcare provision Mid-Argyll - In addition to two hospitals in Lochgilphead, the area is served by the new acute hospital in Oban and arrangements are in place for patients to receive treatment in Glasgow as necessary under the Argyll and Clyde Health Board. The area has three medical practices at Lochgilphead, Furnace and Inveraray. There are also two dental practices at Lochgilphead and Furnace. General The main shopping centres are in Lochgilphead/Ardrishaig, Inveraray, Dunoon and Rothesay. Most villages support a local store and post office. Industries include tourism, agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, fish processing and forestry. The area is popular with those of an outdoor persuasion with activities such as sailing, golf, canoeing, fishing and walking enjoyed. In addition there is a thriving arts scene encompassing music, drama and the visual arts. In the summer there are a number of high profile events such as The Isle of Bute Jazz and Folk festivals, The Cowal Games, May Market (Cairndow) and village galas such as those held at Ardrishaig and Kilmartin. Community websites:
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