Location

Ardentinny is a small village on the west shore of Loch Long some twelve miles from Dunoon in Argyll on the Cowal Peninsula.

Population

The population has remained relatively static at around 200 although there is now a higher proportion of people in their 60s’. Since the 1991 census there has been a growth in the proportion of the over 60s in the population from 25% to 37%. There has however also been a small recent rise in the number of school age children.

Housing

There is a high proportion and growth in private housing and a limited supply of affordable housing of any kind. There is a fear that further housing development will jeopardise valued open space in the community. 17% of the private housing is used for holiday homes.

Employment

The main local employers are tourism and agriculture. Other employment is mainly dependent on Dunoon and commuting across the Clyde.

Social and Community

The community has no preschool or primary school provision. The primary school closed a few years ago and children now go to Strone Primary. Secondary education is in Dunoon. The nearest health services are in Strone or Dunoon.

Key assets of the village include:

• The Bowling Club
• The Ardentinny Hotel
• The refurbished village hall
• Good opportunities for fishing, walking, hill climbing and boating
• The Outdoor Centre

Environment

There are great opportunities for fishing, walking, hill climbing and boating. One of the main assets is the beach which is one of the most attractive in the area.

There are several forestry walks starting from the village including the Ardentinny Birchwood Walk. The Clunie Wood is a good example of birchwood and parts are now being replanted as oakwood.

Almost all Scotland's indigenous animals can be seen, including seals and otters as well as polecats, foxes, deer and red squirrels. There is an abundance of birdlife with eagles in the more remote areas and gannets over the loch.

Heritage

There are signs of habitation in the area dating back to the iron age and there are still the remains of an old iron age fort. Ardentinny was on the old drove routes to Central Scotland and the cattle used to swim across from here to the Rosneath Peninsula. There are still the remains of an old mill and old mill pond on the road leading down to the beach.

Ardentinny in song! The place has been celebrated in two well known Scottish songs…‘The Lass o’ Ardenteenie’ first sung by Robert Tannahill in 1807 and ‘O’er the Hill to Ardentinny’ by Sir Harry Lauder. Other heritage assets include Fingals Well, the Lairds Grave, Glen Finart Tower, HMS Armadillo and the Baron Turner Fort.