Enterprise and inclusion - projects focused on developing the town’s cultural, circular economy and green and blue infrastructure to support Community Wealth Building

Dunoon has a brilliant selection of charity shops that contribute to the development of a more circular economy at a local level. However, a trip to Bogleha Recycling centre highlights the many missed opportunities for more items to be diverted from landfill and reused locally. There are some fantastic examples across Scotland of reuse centres co-located at amenity sites as a result of partnerships between local authorities and the third sector. These operations create green jobs and training opportunities alongside the provision of affordable goods for their community. The current amenities site at Bogleha’ does not have space to allow for expansion. 

Dunoon Burgh Hall is a cultural venue and arts facility managed by a local trust and charity. The historic Grade B listed building located on Argyll Street reopened in 2017 following extensive refurbishment. The building includes a cafe, gallery, workshop area and main hall. These spaces combined provide a unique venue for creative, cultural and community events. The Burgh Hall has created opportunities for local creative practitioners, whilst raising the profile of the town through a programme of internationally acclaimed exhibitions and events. 

The current Ferry Terminal waiting room and public toilets are housed in temporary portacabin structures. This means that people arriving and departing Dunoon don’t have the best experience of this vital public transport connection. 

Dunoon Foodbank is a small local charity providing food, meals and services, including pre-loved school uniform distribution, to some of Dunoon and Kirn’s most vulnerable people. The space is also being utilised for a youth club one night a week, a project established through Planet Youth that directly responds to local needs. 

According to Historic Scotland, Dunoon Pier is ‘the best surviving example of a timber ferry pier in Scotland.’  Owned by Argyll and Bute Council, this Grade A listed structure is a nationally important building. However, climate change and the ongoing costs of repairs mean this building is at risk.  

Dunoon Stadium and the surrounding land, sports pitches and skate park occupy a large section of land in the heart of the town. This area is also overlooked by Dunoon Hospital, Kirn Primary school and one of Dunoon’s two housing  areas that scores highest on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). Despite the pressing need for recreation space to support activities that improve the health and wellbeing of local people, particularly young people and adults with health challenges, Dunoon stadium is largely underused by the community. Although the stadium is a staffed facility, the way it is operated and managed means that the stadium remains closed to the public unless it has been booked by an organised group. The booking process is not straightforward and can seem challenging for community and school groups. 

The Queens Hall is a key civic space and community facility set in a prominent and scenic location. The building has been adapted to accommodate a gym facility in the last few years, putting additional pressure on available space. The library, which was located on the first floor, along with study areas and children’s library, has recently been relocated to the lower floor, freeing up a larger space for commercial use, but reducing essential meeting and study space that was valued by the community, particularly young people and people with limited access to IT. 

The Dunoon Project aims to develop a high quality mountain biking and visitor experience with a mix of accommodation, retail and cafe facilities on Kilbride Hill overlooking Dunoon and Kirn. The project, initiated by a charity aiming to attract private investors, has been in development since 2017. The initiative has received wide support from the local community and stakeholders. In 2023 the Dunoon Project Master Plan was submitted to and approved by Argyll and Bute Council.