Devana Croft
TARBERT
A stunning fishing village, Tarbert is a thriving community with a small fishing and tourism industry. Small enough to be unspoilt and relaxed, yet with enough going on to keep you satisfied.
Tarbert Castle, known locally as Bruce’s Castle as Robert The Bruce reinforced and extended the Castle circa 1325 is sat in a prominent position on the hillside overlooking both East and West Loch. The local Community Trust has developed the surrounding area and the hillside now has a wildlife reserve, walking routes, orchard and other attractions.
The Village can cater for all your needs with its Butchers, Fishmonger and well stocked Co-op as well as a number of specialist shops. It also has excellent restaurants, pubs (some will live music during high season) and cafes, many of which are dog friendly.
The bustling harbour is a great place to sit and relax watching the sail boats and with its play area the children will be happy too.
Home to a number of festivals, this small community always has something to offer. During the last weekend in May it is home to the Scottish Series, one of the largest yacht races in the UK. The town becomes awash with sailors and the racing can be enjoyed in the comfort of Devana Croft's living room overlooking the course.
In June Tarbert has The Viking Festival- the reenactment of Magnus Barefoot adventure in 1093AD into Tarbert and across to West Loch claiming ruler of Argyll and Ireland. July hosts The Tarbert Seafood Festival with chefs from the area (and the occasional 'celebrity) showcasing the many local delicacies on offer. July also hosts the Traditional Boat Festival and Tarbert Village Raft Race as well as Tarbert Fair, one of the oldest running fairs operating since 1705
Tarbert Music Festival has been running since 1988 and held during September just when the nights are starting to draw in, something to look forward to as autumn approaches. A full programme of music, with a variety of bands playing in various locations throughout the village. Traditionally, on the Sunday on the fish quay the festival closes with an open air concert
LOCAL WILDLIFE
Deer, rabbits and pheasent are regularly visitors to our garden as well as a large variety of birds.
Within the loch you can find prawns, scallops and mussells, and mackeral are easy to catch off east pier when in season (rods in the garage) the odd friendly harbour seal can be found in the bay.
Jelly fish, porpoise, dolphins and basking sharks can be seen in the loch, and if you are lucky you may even spot a minky whale.
Birds of prey can be seen all around Argyll and a boat trip can take you to see some nesting sea eagles.
Otters, polecats and beavers can be spotted in the wild all locally to Tarbert.
