Dunoon Pier
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Involving people in decisions about Dunoon Pier by supporting the Save Dunoon Pier working group to explore how the Pier structure can be sustained.
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Informing people about the process and challenges of regenerating an historic Catagory A listed structure.
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Inspiring people to use the pier in new ways to maximise the value of its space and heritage for community benefit.
What is it?
Since 2023 the Save Dunoon Pier working group, made up of Ali McLay, Emma Davidson and Conor Bytheway, has been supported by Dunoon Community Development Trust to explore how Dunoon Pier, owned by Argyll and Bute Council, can be protected and utilised for community benefit.
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On behalf of the group, DCDT has secured funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund to commission two studies starting in September 2025:
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Heritage & Environmental Impact Assessment
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Economic Impact Assessment
About Dunoon Pier
Dunoon Pier is a rare and iconic category A listed Victorian timber pier. Built in the 1830’s by wealthy merchant, James Hunter of Hafton, and run as a going concern in an era of paddle steamers and booming visitor numbers, Dunoon Pier was later purchased and extended by the Burgh of Dunoon in 1897. These renovations created a new gangway, waiting rooms and ticket office, most of which is still accessible today.
Throughout the 20th century the pier continued to thrive and adapt to car and passenger transport. The ownership of Dunoon Pier was transferred to Argyll and Bute Council in the late 1970s. In 2013 the pier ceased to be used as a ferry terminal. A new breakwater and linkspan constructed just south of Dunoon Pier effectively made the structure redundant.
In 2015 essential repairs were carried out on the structure, but the income needed to maintain the grade A listed pier is becoming increasingly difficult for Argyll and Bute Council to find alone. This means that this iconic structure is at risk. Local people feel strongly that more should be done to understand how this historic building could be better used.
What local challenge is this project addressing?
Dunoon Pier presents a complicated challenge for Argyll and Bute Council and the community. Sustaining heritage in any community without having a clear economic case and understanding of the ongoing costs, can lead to poor decision making that doesn’t benefit the economy or improve the lives of local people.
By working in partnership with Argyll and Bute Council, we will support people in our community to research and develop ideas to regenerate Dunoon Pier with the input of experienced professionals. We hope that this approach will increase the likelihood that Dunoon Pier can attract new investment into the town and turn a much loved, but underused Pier, into a sustainable heritage asset.
Project partners and funders >
