Sandbank
This summary profile is taken from the Sandbank Community Action Plan published in 2008.
The Area
Sandbank is a village located on the southern shores of the Holy Loch on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll. It is a short ferry ride across the Clyde from Greenock and Gourock but feels like a long way from the bustle of the Scottish Central Belt. It is on the edge of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and is the village gateway for most of the visitors coming by ferry to the Park and to enjoy the lochs, gardens and forests of the Peninsula.Population
The population of Sandbank is now around 1200, based on local estimates. It was as high as 1700 in the 1991 Census but over 600 of those were temporary residents here from the United States Navy. The population is skewed slightly towards the elderly with 7% more than the national average and there is a forecast of reducing numbers of primary school children over the next few years.Housing
There are just over 580 houses in the Sandbank area with more housing development on the way at McKinlays Quay, Daisy Place and the Ferryman’s. As in many parts of the country most new developments are not within the reach of ‘first time buyers’.
The local authority housing stock was transferred to the Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) in late 2006.
Employment and The Local Economy
Sandbank is home to an Industrial Estate which is the base for many businesses in the wider Dunoon area. So people come into Sandbank to work. In total it is estimated that there are around 60 businesses trading in Sandbank.
The development of the Marina is starting to make a major contribution to the
local economy and helping to develop Sandbank as a stopping off and berthing location for yachts and as a gateway to the National Park and the West Coast.
The retail and hospitality sectors now have the opportunity to benefit from this growing number of businesses and interest from visitors.
Education
There is a primary school in Sandbank and other primary schools nearby in Dunoon. Older chlldren attend the Grammar School in Dunoon. There is also the opportunity for local access to further education with University of the Highlands and Islands accredited courses being offered through the Dunoon Learning Centre (Argyll College).Health
Residents are served by either the Riverbank Practice at Kilmun or one of the 3 Practices in Dunoon. There are dental services in Dunoon.
Dunoon Hospital is located approximately 3 miles south of Sandbank and provides Accident and Emergency Services.
Social and Community Services and Facilities
Sandbank has both a thriving village hall and Church hall that are used extensively by the community. There is also a small play park near the Sailing Club which needs upgraded and a BBQ area at Broxwood.Leisure and recreation
Organisations and activities include:- The Holy Loch Sailing Club
- Upper Cowal Bowling Club
- Ardnadam Farm - riding tuition
- The Hunters Quay Holiday complex - swimming pool, fitness centre and offers other opportunities such as badminton
- Freshwater and sea fishing (The Dunoon and District Angling Club publishes information for fishermen).
Infrastructure
Mains gas is available in Sandbank but not at Sandhaven.
ScottishWater aim to upgrade the local sewage systems and have plans for a
new pumping station and facility at Ardnadam Car Park which have held up the development of the proposed Play Park.
Emergency Services
Local Police and Fire Stations are nearby in Dunoon.Environment
Sandbank is close to some beautiful lochs, gardens and forest as well as having its own Holy Loch coastline to explore.
There are a number of paths and trails with the most well known being the
Ardnadam Heritage Trail which leads up to the 'Camels Hump' hill where there are fantastic views over the Firth of Clyde.