Craobh Marina sold to sailing family
Craobh Marina, located between Lochgilphead and Oban in Scotland, has been acquired by Brian and Shelia Norton and their three adult children, supported by a multi-million-pound funding package from HSBC UK.
Brian and Shelia Norton, along with their three adult children, have acquired the marina, which was originally constructed in the early 1980s by linking a group of islands together using a system of stone causeways to create its unique sheltered position. Today it houses 225 berths of varying size, up to 22 metres, designed to accommodate 60 to 70 ft yachts. The marina has 360-degree weather protection and direct access to the sea.
The boatyard also includes a fully-enclosed workshop which can accommodate craft in excess of 16 metres for repairs or refurbishment, alongside a chandlery, diesel and gas offerings, and services including a laundrette and self-catering holiday cottages.
The Craobh Marina Service Department offers comprehensive servicing, maintenance, repair, and refit services by the in-house team – the Wise 30-ton self-propelled slipway hoist can provide launching, hoisting or offloading from road transport of vessels up to 19 metres in length and 5.2 metres beam.
There is also a specialist sail and motorboat brokerage on site.
The family plan to expand the marina’s capacity to accommodate the growing number of large vessels visiting the area.
The Nortons sold their previous business in 2009 and spent two years sailing around the world with their children Charlie, Freddie, and Annie. Following the marina acquisition, all five family members will play an active role in the running of the marina, from event management and marketing, to operations and sustainable development.
They plan to make various changes and updates to the marina, including improvements to the pontoons, boatyard areas and amenities, as well as reopening the long-vacant pub and adding new features, like a proposed floating sauna, whilst supporting the marina’s wider goal of protecting the marine ecosystem.
The work will prioritise sustainable upgrades, with solar panels installed on the pub and boatshed to improve EPC ratings.
Annie Norton said:
“For our family, sailing has always been a way of life, and having completed a circumnavigation between 2009-2011 we came to settle in the west coast of Scotland, after experiencing some of the best sailing in the world here.
“When the opportunity to take over Craobh arose, we knew there could never be a more perfect business venture for us to undertake than this – allowing us to combine our passion for sailing with our entrepreneurial spirit.
“We are so excited to put our experience as marina users into action and to join the community in Argyll & Bute.
“For us, this marina is more than a business – it is about building community, and providing a gateway to adventure for those who share our love of the sea.”