Sailors get go-ahead to transform waste ground into boatyard

A group of determined sailors have been given the go-ahead to transform waste ground into a boatyard.

Members of the Cardwell Bay Association of Small Boat Owners have been seeking permission for two years to take over the former McLean’s Yard in Cove Road in Gourock. Their plan has finally been approved by the Local Review Body, reports the Greenock Telegraph.

The committee members want to use the site to store boats in the winter and carry out small maintenance jobs. The association has around 20 members and it is hoped, now they have a base, it will encourage more people to get involved.

“This is a place we can take our boats, share our passion and pass on our knowledge to younger people,” says Gordon Esler.

“We’ve had quite a lot of interest and people have been following the story all the way through.”

The group’s campaign began two years ago at a meeting in the Gamble Halls in Gourock. The future of the land had been discussed by Gourock regeneration forum following a public consultation.