Dunoon is a popular holiday resort town on the Cowal peninsula and boasts one of the finest and rarest examples of a category A listed Victorian pier. The first Dunoon Pier on the Clyde appeared in 1835. The pier was subsequently enlarged and an improved waiting room was constructed in 1867 to meet the growth in paddle-steamer traffic. It was further expanded with a larger 400 foot jetty in 1881 and once again rebuilt and refurbished in 1895, resulting in the fuller structure which exists today.
The main pier building is a striking design with red-tiled roofs and timber in chocolate, cream and yellow. Recently a phase 1 restoration took place on part of the pier to restore it to some of its former glory.
Fleets of paddle steamers used to bring holidaymakers from Glasgow to Dunoon and many other local piers right up to the late 1960s. Dunoon is still visited by the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, P.S.Waverley.
Overlooking the pier, is a large statue to Robert Burns’ love Highland Mary, also known as Bonny Mary O’ Argyll, which is located on Castle Hill, just below the remains of the 12th century Dunoon Castle. One of the best views of the pier and surrounding Clyde estuary can be found by climbing up through Castle Gardens, to Highland Mary’s monument.
It’s best to visit Castle House Museum to find out more about Dunoon's fantastic local history.
