Argyll and Bute Council chose the Rosneath firm last week to carry out the berthing and on-shore improvement work, which will make the marina a more attractive sailing destination, bringing visitors to the area.

The new pontoon layout will have a total of 54 berths – 10 at finger pontoons, 28 alongside berths and 16 additional berths by rafting – and provides a flexible layout which can accommodate larger craft.

This new layout will see the main leg shortened to bring the berthing more in to the lee of the quay as well as the addition of an angled concrete breakwater to protect the more northerly berths.

The new on-shore facility will include male, female and family toilets and showers as part of creating a more attractive contemporary offer for yacht owners as well as resident boat users.

This represents a huge improvement to the current facility which currently provides lay alongside berthing for up to 18 vessels, up to 38 when including triple rafting, which is considered as an unattractive option for many visitors , has limited capacity for larger vessels, is open to strong easterly winds and has very limited on-shore facilities.

By incorporating finger berthing, some potential berthing for larger vessels and an on-shore toilet and shower block the facility will be transformed into a small but credible transit marina that should appeal to a wide variety of visiting craft.

Chair of the Mid-Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee, Campbeltown Councillor Rory Colville, said of the appointment: “The council is delighted to have GSS on board to deliver these enhancements. A respected marine engineering company, they have successful delivered a number of projects for the Royal Navy and the civil maritime industry, both throughout the UK and across Europe.

“It’s encouraging to have a firm with such a strong track record on board and I am confident that they will move this project forward and we’ll see the new marina open for business in summer 2015. These are exciting times, with this new facility estimated to benefit the local economy to the tune of £300,000 a year.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Campbeltown Loch Berthing Company who have run the facility for the past 25 years. The retirement of the directors and the transfer of asset to the council will enable this significant improvement project to move forward.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the major construction work beginning next year. I’d encourage people to keep an eye out for updates on the council website and in the local press.”

GSS Marine Services said of the project: “We are very pleased to have been awarded this contract and are looking forward to giving the people of Campbeltown a high-quality berthing facility they can be proud of.

“Work has already commenced with the removal of the existing pontoons and we are organising the fabrication of the new pontoons for delivery in February/March when we will be back on site with marine plant to complete installation by summer. Work on the shore facilities is due to commence early next year.”