The growing pastime of sea kayaking is being encouraged in Argyll with the launch soon of a £300,000 trail of special facilities for the paddlers.
The trail, from Oban to Helensburgh, is part of Argyll Coastal Waters Project, which aims to develop paddle sports throughout the area.
The project is a partnership between Argyll and Bute Council and the Oban-based social enterprise, Stramash.
The kayak trail is a group of easily accessible launch sites, some with toilet, shower and changing facilities.
The council has confirmed that launch sites at Ganavan in Oban, Toward in Cowal, Arduaine south of Oban, Bute Forest and Dunoon are all complete.
The site at Crinan on the Crinan Canal is 75% complete and work at Tarbert, Loch Fyne, is expected to be finished around August.
Work at the Helensburgh site is to be completed by the end of the month.
The kayak trail’s website goes live next month.
A council spokesman said: “The project has seen close links forged with local paddle sport clubs in an effort develop those kind of sports in the years to come, as well as running a successful apprenticeship programme which has seen four apprentices placed with Argyll-based businesses – two with Stramash themselves and two at the Lochgoilhead National Activity Centre.”
Nicky Maccinnes, who is currently going through a modern apprenticeship with Stramash, said: “The apprenticeship has been providing me with brilliant personal development opportunities across a range of outdoor activities. The combination of experience and academic qualifications will allow me to successfully develop a career within the outdoor industry.”
The project is funded by the Coastal Communities Fund, Argyll and the Isles LEADER programme and Argyll and Bute Council.