This picturesque highland town, Dunoon, is on the edge and is gateway to The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the first national park in Scotland, with unsurpassed scenery in around the vast area, 52,000 acres, of the park. Just relax and unwind in the tranquil, unspoilt surroundings.

Dunoon is situated on the Cowal Peninsula. The town was established in the reign of Queen Victoria, which is instantly noticeable, due to the striking Victorian architecture of many of the buildings.

Scotland's world famous poet Robbie Burns lover, Highland Mary, is immortalised in a statue situated in the towns Castle gardens, an area which held a fortified castle.

She shares the limelight here with the worlds last ocean going paddle steamer The Waverley, as she approaches Dunoon pier.

Things to do: - You can take pleasure in the Argyll Forests spectacular scenery, or enjoy the varied walking trails, or visit a vast array of beautiful gardens with diverse species of fauna and wildlife the nearest is only a 10 minute drive.

The area offers pursuits and activities designed to suit every possible taste, such as pleasure cruises in the summer months on The Waverley, and within an easy scenic drive you can cruise on the world famous Loch Lomond.

There are several good challenging golf courses in the immediate area. Other activities include, Climbing, Quad Biking, River Rocket, Tennis, Cycling, Horse riding, Clay pigeon shooting etc. Sea and Loch Fishing.

For those interested in more relaxing pastimes, there are many areas to explore whilst walking in unspoilt Glens and forests, and countless historical possibilities those interested in our national heritage. Local Art Galleries, covering varied media, in the local area and wider area are open for the discerning visitor to tempt a purchase or just to admire.

Local Food is exceptional and we have many restaurants within easy reach that specialise in local produce including locally caught sea- food.

The local tourist information office in Dunoon has listings of Whats On Attractions.

Open Mon - Fri 9.00 - 17.30 and Sat - Sun 10.00 - 17.00. Contact 01369 703785

The nearest island is Bute where you can take a short ferry crossing and marvel at the architecture of Mount Stuart House. For more information on things to see and do Link on to www.visitscotland.org.

Cruise on the Waverley Paddle Steamer or cruise on Loch Lomond through the Highland Boundary Fault line where the Highlands meet the Lowlands, see Rob Roys cave from, arguably the most famous of our waters, Loch Lomond.

The rich diversity of fauna and flora is evident and attracts tourists to nearby renowned Benmore Botanical Gardens (150 acres), which has a diverse range of native and tropical plants and trees almost unrivalled across Europe.

There are red squirrels, the elusive pine martens and otters, to be seen along with a rich diversity of bird life including our many raptors. Watch quietly and be rewarded.