COUNCILLORS have unanimously backed a community-led masterplan which could see a “world-class outdoor activities hub” come to Dunoon.

A report on the Dunoon Project, although not currently a planning application, was considered by councillors during a meeting.

And the proposals, which include a cable car from the top of the former Glenmorag Hotel to the summit of Kilbride Hill, and a zip-wire facility, were fully endorsed by the committee.

The meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee on Wednesday, October 23 saw two Bute and Cowal councillors speak warmly about the project.

Councillor Gordon Blair (SNP, Cowal) said: “The community has been very engaged with this whole process. This has not come out of a magic hat. There has been a lot of work done.

“I recall some years ago meeting some cyclists at the car park behind St John’s Church. There were about 30 of them and they had travelled from all over Scotland to do their trails at the back of Dunoon.

“It was a clear observation that this is the opportunity they have in Dunoon. This will very much put Dunoon on the map for off-road cycling and as a tourism facility.

“Because of the nature of the central belt, the number of people coming to Dunoon from across the water is quite amazing, from every area.

“This development is a really exciting project and the community as a whole is supportive.”

Councillor Daniel Hampsey (Conservative, Dunoon) added: “This is a project that has been in the works for a good while and there is a lot of anticipation around it, especially in recent months.

“I would echo and agree with everything Councillor Blair says. We have a big opportunity for Dunoon and Cowal for people to visit and enjoy the natural opportunities. I am very pleased to see it come to this stage.”

The report had already told councillors: “The long-term aim of The Dunoon Project is to guide the development of a sustainable, world-class outdoor activities hub on the surrounding hills and forests to re-establish Dunoon as one of Scotland’s premier tourism destinations.

“The objective is to increase tourism by attracting new visitors to the area and persuading those visitors who usually pass through Dunoon on their way to other destinations in Argyll and Bute (and beyond) to stay in the town.

“This will boost the local economy by increasing local tourism spend, supporting business development and job creation opportunities.”