Dunoon

Dunoon is the main town on the Cowal peninsula in the south of Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is on the west shore of the upper Firth of Clyde, to the south of the Holy Loch and to the north of Innellan. The Gantocks rocks lie off the coast at Dunoon.The history of Dunoon is dominated by two clans, Clan Lamont and Clan Campbell. During the height of "Doon the Watter", the travel by steamships around the Firth of Clyde, Dunoon was a popular destination. This ceased as roads improved and the popularity of overseas travel increased. The town then became a garrison town to the United States Navy (1961), during the height of the cold war. When the US Navy closed the base at Holy Loch in 1992, Dunoon suffered an economic downturn.The town and surrounding area are becoming recognised as a destination for outdoor pursuits, including walking, running, golfing, kayaking, sailing, fishing, climbing, triathlon and mountain biking.Local wildlife includes seals, sea otters, dolphins, basking sharks, roe deer, red deer, red squirrels, and many species of birds. The largest annual event held in the town is the Cowal Highland Gathering. The Royal National Mòd has been held in the town seven times and in 2018 will again be held at Dunoon.