Location

The community is made up of the combined parishes of Strachur (including St Catherines and Glenbranter) and Strathlachlan (including Leachd, Newton and Leanach). It is situated in the north western part of the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll on the shores of Loch Fyne. It is 25 miles from Dunoon, and 90 minutes journey to Glasgow. Part of the area is in the Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Population

The population is currently estimated at around 774, which represents only a small decline over the last fifty to a hundred years. 24% of the population is over 65, compared with the Scottish average figure of 16%. There is a corresponding lower percentage of the population in the younger age brackets.

Housing

Over 77% of the housing is owner/occupied, compared with 62.5% for Scotland. Around 45 houses are anticipated to be built in the next 5 years - none of them likely to be affordable for younger local people. We estimate that around 20% of all houses are now holiday homes - twice as many as there were 4 years ago.

Employment and The Local Economy

Strachur has a diversified economy - not solely dependant on tourism, as are many rural communities. Employment opportunities in the area are related to the building trade, sawmill, fish farming, fish processing in nearby Cairndow and a call centre in Dunoon. Tourism does play an increasing part in the local economy with two hotels, four caravan parks, as well as B&Bs and self catering accommodation. There is a high proportion of self employment in the area. There is a shop, post office & filling station, as well as two pubs. A “community office” was established in the Memorial Hall in 2005, which offers some office services and facilities to local organisations and businesses.