Campbeltown

The gateway to information about the wee toon

Campbeltown is situated near the Mull of Kintyre in Argyll, Scotland. Close to the Gulf Stream, the temperature is generally above the UK average, as witnessed by the many streets and gardens with unprotected palm trees. Danish wind-turbine company Vestas is the town's single largest employer. These pages provide links to the best of the web sites describing Campbeltown as well as contact and map information.

Getting to Campbeltown How to get here Campbeltown weather forecast Campbeltown weather Tide prediction

Useful Campbeltown numbers and location maps

Health Centre (Doctors)	+44 (0) 1586 552105	Map
Hospital	+44 (0) 1586 552224	Map
Emergency Services	999
Fire Service	+44 (0) 1586 552222
Police Office	+44 (0) 1586 862200	Map
Harbour Master	+44 (0) 1586 552552	Map
Marine VHF Radio	Channels 12, 13, 16
Argyll FM (106.5 107.1 107.7)	+44 (0) 1586 551800	Map
Campbeltown Flights	+44 (0) 1586 552571	Map
Campbeltown Airport	+44 (0) 1586 553797	Map
Tourist Information Centre	+44 (0) 1586 552056 fax 553291	Map
Library	+44 (0) 1586 552366	Map
Argyll & Bute Council	+44 (0) 1586 553313	Map
Post Office (Co-op, Longrow)	+44 (0) 1586 554721	Map
Town Centre		Map
Local Newspaper (Campbeltown Courier)	+44 (0) 1586 554646	Map
Kintyre Time Bank	+44 (0) 1586 554744	Map
The Fresh ConnectionTeleflorist	+44 (0) 1586 553220	Map
Grant LoganMaster goldsmith	+44 (0) 1586 553588	Map

Outdoor pursuits

Surf seekers often use the beaches at Machrihanish (5 miles west of Campbeltown on the B843 road), and at Westport (6 miles north on the A83).

There is excellent walking in the surrounding countryside. For example, a gently climbing walk from High Street (Dalintober) to Campbeltown's standing stone gives a good view over the town and Campbeltown Loch towards Beinn Ghuilean. The Kintyre Way, a long-distance walk from Tarbert in the north of Kintyre to Dunaverty Bay in the south, passes through Campbeltown.

Campbeltown has two bowling clubs: The Argyll Bowling Club in Millknowe, and Campbeltown Bowling Club in New Quay Street. Also known as Stronvaar, the latter is the largest bowling club in Argyll & Bute and celebrated its Centenary in 2006.

Golfers can choose from three seaside courses with great views:

Dunaverty Golf Club at Southend (about 10 miles south on the B842)
Machrihanish Golf Club (5 miles west on the B843 road)
Carradale Golf Club (15 miles north on the B842)

The sheltered harbour is a local centre for sailing, and boasts 3m low water depth pontoon berths. Campbeltown Sailing Club is based on the Askomil side of Campbeltown Loch - see map. Activities include keel boat and dinghy racing and cruise-in-company weekends.

Mull of Kintyre Seatours offer fast and exhilarating boat trips from Campbeltown in the latest design of seaworthy commercial rigid inflatable boats (RIBS).

The fishing is good too, with opportunities for sea angling and fresh-water fly fishing.

The Scottish Owl Centre in Witchburn Road, Campbeltown (see map) is an insight into the fascinating world of owls - their habits and habitat, dangers and awe-inspiring beauty.

There are plenty of opportunities for kite flying in and around Campbeltown, and in 2005, the first Campbeltown Kite Festival was held.

Aqualibrium, Campbeltown Community Project

On the site of the old swimming pool which closed in November 2000, the Campbeltown Community Project contains a replacement library, a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness facilities, a crèche, changing facilities for yachtsmen and a cafe. "Aqualibrium" was Campbeltown lass Caitlin Ronald's winning name for the building, in a competition she entered when just 8 years old. It was officially opened on 16 June 2006 by First Minister Jack McConnell, building work having started in late spring 2004.

Music in Campbeltown

The Mull of Kintyre Music Festival is held annually in Campbeltown.

Campbeltown Brass and Campbeltown Pipe Band are thriving bands who have enjoyed significant success over the years.

The Twisted Melons are a popular local band steadily gaining currency in the Scottish music scene. In their own words, the trio combines "art pop, psychedelic metal, electronic noise and progressive rock".

Getting to Campbeltown

By road from Glasgow, head west on the A82 until you reach the Lomondside village of Tarbet in Argyll, then join the A83 and keep on going. The road will take you south and west through some of the best scenery in the world.

Buses run competitively three times daily from Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station to Campbeltown - see the West Coast Motors and Citylink web sites for details.

By air - British Airways run flights to Campbeltown in conjunction with Loganair.

By ferry

CalMac Scottish Island Ferries have routes easily accessible from Campbeltown. Regrettably, the ferry service to Ireland is not running at present. The Dalriada Business Action Group are amongst those working to restore it.
The Kintyre Express runs from Troon (10 minutes from Glasgow Prestwick airport) to Campbeltown, taking just over one hour.

Caravaning & Camping around Campbeltown

Killegruer Caravan Site	Glenbarr	+44 (0)1583 421241	Map
Machribeg Caravan Site	Southend	+44 (0)1586 830249	Map
Machrihanish Caravan and Camping Park	East Trodigal, Machrihanish	+44 (0)1586 810366	Map
Muasdale Holiday Park	Muasdale	+44 (0)1583 421207	Map