A MAJOR fundraising drive to replace Otter Ferry’s ageing pontoon has reached its £116,000 target, securing the future of maritime access at the Upper Loch Fyne community.
Otter Ferry Maritime Community, the charity behind the project, launched its fundraising campaign at the beginning of this year to raise enough money to purchase and install a new pontoon alongside the historic stone pier.
A donation from sustainable forestry investment company Gresham House has now provided the final funding needed, allowing the charity to place an order for the replacement.
Maritime access has played an important role in Otter Ferry for centuries. Before a road network was established in West Cowal, the pier provided an important means of transporting people and livestock.
Although the stone pier is no longer routinely used, it remains a focal point for the community.
The current pontoon was purchased around 25 years ago following public fundraising and donations, reconnecting the community with Loch Fyne and allowing maritime access to continue.
Rob Carlow, Head of UK Forestry for Gresham House, who grew up on Loch Striven, said the company was pleased to provide the final funding required.
He said: “We recognise the challenges facing remote and rural communities close to the forests we manage, and we are proud to support a project that is at the heart of life in Otter Ferry, supporting local livelihoods, recreation and the community’s strong sense of place.”
Otter Ferry Maritime Community chairman Jock Barge said the response to the fundraising campaign had been considerable.
He said: “We’re delighted to have met our target, thanks to Gresham House for their donation which enables us to order the new pontoon.
“We have had an amazing response from local people, boat owners, visitors and grant awarding bodies.
“Funding has also been received from Crown Estate funding through Argyll and Bute Council, Tighnabruaich Development Trust and Ballimore Estate, alongside donations from local residents, visiting sailors and Largiemore
holiday residents.”
The charity thanked everyone who contributed to the campaign and said the new pontoon would provide a community resource which could be enjoyed for decades to come.
Anyone looking for further information about the project can contact [email protected]
