DUNOON COULD become one of Scotland’s leading adventure tourism destinations following the announcement that a leading mountain resort company is to partner with the Dunoon Project.
Nevis Range has a track record of attracting international tourists and boosting the Scottish economy by running a leading mountain resort in Fort William, which has a well established reputation as a premier destination for outdoor adventure.
Today an official announcement was made that the company is now teaming up with the ambitious Dunoon Project which plans to develop a world-class outdoor activities hub on the hills above the town. The partnership could be a game-changer for the local economy by transforming Dunoon into a global adventure tourism hotspot.
The ambitious plans include a state-of-the-art gondola system, high-quality outdoor facilities, and a range of attractions designed to bring year-round visitors to the town. The project is expected to provide a major boost for the local economy, creating hundreds of jobs across tourism, hospitality, and outdoor sports industries.
Organisers now hope that by combining Nevis Range’s three decades of expertise in sustainable adventure tourism, mountain sports infrastructure, and international travel trade partnerships with Dunoon’s incredible natural setting and connectivity to Scotland’s major cities, this collaboration will establish a benchmark for world- class adventure tourism in Scotland.
Dunoon is an untapped jewel in Scotland’s adventure landscape, with its stunning topography, proximity to Glasgow and Edinburgh, and ideal conditions for outdoor recreation. Now, for the first time, a transformational investment in infrastructure will enable Dunoon to compete with the world’s leading mountain destinations.
The Dunoon Gondola is expected to be the defining feature of the resort, providing a seamless link to Dunoon’s summit, offering breath-taking views and direct access to world-class biking and hiking routes.
Nevis Range’s existing mountain gondola system in Fort William attracts over 250,000 visitors per year— proving that this model can drive year-round growth and those involved with the Dunoon Project are keen to point out that the gondola will reduce environmental impact by removing the need for vehicle access to the mountains, offering a smoother, more immersive experience for visitors.
The Dunoon adventure resort will be split between a base station and a top station. The base station will feature a new adventure hotel, a modern, adventure- focused hotel, designed for bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, with direct access to trails and gondola transport. A bike shop and hire centre providing rentals, repairs, and premium equipment sales, supporting Scotland’s growing mountain biking industry. Retail and outdoor gear stores showcasing top outdoor brands and Scottish-made products and restaurants and ‘Après-Adventure Dining’, a selection of dining options catering to all tastes, including local Scottish cuisine and global flavours, ensuring visitors have world- class hospitality at the base station.
The top station will feature; a panoramic café at the summit which will be a high-altitude café offering one of the most stunning views in Scotland, providing an unforgettable dining experience, elite mountain biking trails designed by Nevis Range’s expert trail builders, these downhill, enduro, and cross-country tracks will position Dunoon as a leading international MTB destination.
A variety of walking trails, guided nature hikes, and exploration routes, suitable for all ages and abilities and zip lines, climbing areas and an adventure park. Expanding beyond biking and hiking, the resort will include thrill-seeking activities to attract a diverse global audience.
Nevis Range has a track record of attracting international tourists and boosting the Scottish economy by hosting major international mountain biking competitions, including the British Downhill Championships and IXS Downhill Series. The company were also crowned winners of the 2024 Scottish Thistle Award for Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience.
Commenting on the partnership with the Dunoon Project Chris O’Brien, managing director of Nevis Range, said: “Dunoon has always had the potential to be a world-class adventure tourism destination. With the construction of the gondola, we’re unlocking that potential and creating something truly extraordinary. We’ve seen first-hand how infrastructure like this can transform an area, and Dunoon will now be at the forefront of adventure tourism in Scotland.”
John Sutherland, activities and technical director at Nevis Range, added :“This is more than just a gondola— it’s the foundation of an entire adventure resort. The trails, the infrastructure, and the visitor experience will all be world-class, and this will put Scotland on the map as a global leader in adventure tourism.”
There’s no doubt this is a highly ambitious plan but one which has enormous potential for the town and following recent news about minimal funding for local projects through the Rural Growth Fund this could be the key to Dunoon’s future. With its cutting- edge gondola, full-service base station, international- standard bike trails, and top-tier visitor experiences, Dunoon could rival the best adventure resorts in the world.
Brendon Wallace, chairman of The Dunoon Project, explained: “We’re thrilled to announce a ground-breaking partnership with Nevis Range that will catapult Dunoon into the upper echelon of global adventure resorts. By harnessing decades of Nevis Range’s expertise, we’re not just aiming to compete with the best—we’re set to become one of the best! This monumental collaboration will turbocharge local businesses, spark a wave of job creation, and firmly establish Dunoon as a premier outdoor tourism destination in Scotland. The ripple effects will be felt throughout the area, driving significant investment and igniting an entrepreneurial spirit that will transform the town and the wider Argyll region. Get ready for a vibrant, exciting and prosperous future.”
