Crinan Boatyard provides maintenance and repair services to leisure and cruising vessels and to commercial markets, including fishing, fish-farming and public sector vessels such as those owned by Argyll & Bute Council.

John Dunlop, (right) MD, said: "Since we purchased the boatyard in 1999, we have worked hard to make this a sustainable, growing business utilising the traditional skills available and developing modern practices. The construction of the additional slipway will help us meet changing needs of our customers more effectively in the years to come. It is also fitting that we should undertake such an exciting project in the same year as celebrating 10 years of owning the yard."

HIE has been working with Crinan Boatyard during these years and has seen them establish an excellent reputation in the industry for workmanship. Colin McLean, development manager with HIE, says the current management has been innovative in its approach and has overseen a number of projects to improve the yard.

He commented: "The boatyard has consistently worked to improve its facilities and ways of working.  They have developed innovative slipping facilities and have carried out a complete redesign of the boatyard.  This has enabled them to get more and larger vessels into the yard and to bring together the team of skilled craftsmen, to work on projects more effectively and in better conditions."

An in-depth study carried out in 2008 identified the absence of slip facilities as the most significant barrier to business growth. Completion of a new slipway means that the boatyard well placed to take advantage of an upturn in sailing activity in the west of Scotland, improving the services offered and reducing down-time for local fishing boats faced with a lengthy journey to repairs elsewhere.

McLean, concluded: "This is an excellent example of the kind of innovative business that HIE works with. This project will not only benefit the boatyard's existing customers but will also mean they can attract new ones."

The company provides maintenance and repair services to leisure and cruising vessels and to commercial markets, including fishing, fish-farming and public sector vessels such as those owned by Argyll & Bute Council.