Economic boost helps century-old Scottish marina stay afloat

A marina on the Isle of Bute will cut electricity costs by 90 per cent thanks to funding from Highlands and Island Enterprise (HIE).

Port Bannatyne Marina has received a more than £29,000 from the agency.

The funding will allow the sea site to purchase batteries to install solar energy generators and storage systems to power on-site facilities.

By reducing carbon emissions by 25 per cent, the new measures will help the site transition to net zero.

Morag Goodfellow, HIE area manager for Argyll and the Islands, said: “This is an innovative company operating in a rural area where employment opportunities are particularly critical to the local economy. The company makes a valuable contribution to the visitor offering in the area.

“This latest project is an example of a company recognising the business and financial benefits of cutting carbon emissions while forming part of the region’s wider efforts to transition to net zero.”

Located upon entry to the Kyles of Bute, the family-run pier site is over a century old.

Since launching in 1965, the HIE has helped businesses across the region by promoting fair work and supporting the area’s journey to net zero – which the Scottish Government hopes to reach by 2045.

Improving productivity, innovation, and a just transition are among the agency’s priorities.

The announcement comes after a recent similar project in the Isle of Mull, where they invested £240,000 to bring a former pier back into productive use.