A blot on the landscape created by the oil boom of the 1970s is to be turned into a £45m pound world-class tourist destination in the west of Scotland.

The first phase of the new 230-berth, deep-water, state-of-the-art Portavadie Marina complex and resort will be officially opened today by Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism.

Built on the site of a former 1970s oil-rig construction yard which never opened Portavadie Marina aims to provide some of the highest quality facilities in the UK for sailors, walkers, mountain bikers, golfers and other outdoor leisure enthusiasts.

The opening of the marina comes at a time when Scotland is experiencing a boom in sailing as marine leisure activities are now second only to golf in attracting revenue from tourism.

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Owners Portavadie Estates Ltd, have so far spent around £18m on the first phase of the development, including the marina, restaurant, accommodation and luxury facilities which will eventually create more than 100 jobs.

The 12 metre deep lagoon, which is situated directly east across Loch Fyne from the village of Tarbert, provides fully serviced berths for almost any size of leisure craft. There are also a variety of shore side benefits, including luxurious showers and toilets, a launderette, drying room and a number of self-catering family apartments and cottages for between two and eight persons.

"The facilities are second to none," said Robert Kitchin, Manager of the marina.

"We are in an ideal spot to attract people looking to explore the west coast of Scotland with easy access to Largs, Kip, Troon, Ardrossan, Arran and Northern Ireland."

Brian Stewart of Stewart Associates said: "Portavadie is unlike any other marina, not just on the Clyde coast but beyond, throughout Britain.

"We have tried to create something special, a landmark building which has more of a Mediterranean feel to it rather than a traditional British marina."

Minister for Tourism Jim Mather described the Portavadie Marina complex as an exemplar development.

"This marina development will really put Portavadie on the sailing map,” said Mr Mather.

"The new pontoons, restaurant and bar and viewing terraces are a welcome addition for all those marine-based visitors and the proposed tourist hostel and letting apartments will further boost the local economy."

(GK/BMcc)