Dunoon is a Scottish resort town in Argyll. The pier there, Dunoon Pier, was first built in 1835. Although in 1895 is was rebuilt to what is currently standing. Today there is still a ferry ran by Caledonian MacBrayne, that connects the pier with Gourock. There were fleets of paddle steamers to bring in the people for their holidays to the pier until the late 1960's. There is still one, the PS Waverley, in operation today.
Just below the remains of the 12th Century Dunoon Castle on Castle Hill is a statue of Robert Burns' love Highland Mary which is also called Bonny Mary O' Argyll. The castle was originally in the hands of the Lamont family but became the Earls of Argyll's royal castle as hereditary keepers and little of it remains. In 1563 Mary, Queen of the Scots, stayed there and took the time to grant several charters. In 1685 a rebellion destroyed the cabin.
Dunoon got a new breakwater in the spring of 2005. It is located the south of the main pier. Not only does it protect the Victorian era pier, along with the breakwater a new link span was also put in place that allows ro-ro ferries to be berthed and loaded. These have replaced the ferries that had previously served the pier and loaded from the side. Unfortunately a competition between two companies to serve the link span, Caledonioan MacBrayne and Wester Ferries failed when both parties withdrew their bids. By the summer of 2009 it still remained unused with the breakwater only getting used by local fisherman with Waverly berthing there occasionally.
Dunoon has a major multi-function complex with the Queen's Hall which was built in 1958 at the head of the pier. It is home to four suites for functions plus a large main hall. The main hall has a stage with professional lighting and sound equipment. Many famous bands have played there including Pink Floyd, Blur and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to name a few. Another attraction is the Castle Toward that was constructed in 1820 and once owned by the Lamont family. It is located at the south end of Dunoon and is currently used as an outdoor education center.
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