Terms & Conditions

1. General

Conditions & Acceptance

By accessing, mooring at, or launching from the Cairndow Pontoon and slipway, all users (including skippers, crew, and pedestrians) agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. The facility is managed by the Cairndow Mooring Association.

2. Liability and Risk

  • Use at Own Risk: All persons using the pontoon, slipway, and visitor moorings do so entirely at their own risk.
  • Disclaimer: The Cairndow Mooring Association accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss, damage, or injury to persons, vessels, or property arising from the use of these facilities.
  • CCTV: For the safety of our users, the protection of vessels, and the prevention of anti-social behaviour, 24-hour CCTV is in operation across the pontoon and slipway.
  • Weather Conditions: The pontoon remains in the water year-round, but users must not access the pontoon during severe weather, high winds, or frosty conditions. The decking becomes extremely dangerous when icy.
  • Vessel Limits: The general weight limit for vessels using the pontoon is 15 tonnes. Slightly heavier vessels may use the pontoon on very calm days, but this is done entirely at the skipper’s own risk.

3. Safety & Emergency Procedures

  • Emergencies: In the event of an on-the-water emergency, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
  • Life Ring: A life ring is provided on the pontoon for emergency use only. Tampering with lifesaving equipment is a criminal offence and will be recorded on CCTV. Please report any damage or if the life ring is missing immediately to info@lochfynemooring.co.uk.
  • Defibrillator: The nearest public access defibrillator is located at the Cairndow Village Hall.
  • Lifejackets: The water is deep and cold, and the pontoon can be slippery. We strongly advise all users, especially children, to wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid.
  • Supervision: Children and dogs must be strictly supervised at all times.
  • General Deck Safety: No running and no bicycles are permitted on the pontoon deck.
  • Parking: Strictly no parking. The layby next to the pontoon is strictly for emergency vehicle access only.

4. Mooring & Navigation

  • Speed Limit: A strict maximum speed limit of 3 knots applies from the pontoon and within the entire moorings area.
  • Mooring Fees & Payment: We operate a 100% honesty policy. Mooring fees apply to all visiting vessels. Payment must be made digitally via the QR code on site, via this website, or by direct bank transfer.
  • The Hammerhead (Pontoon End): The hammerhead is a priority area for commercial licence holders for pick-ups and drop-offs. Leisure vessels may use this space but must not be left unattended at any time. Skippers must be on hand to move their vessel immediately if a commercial operator requires access.
  • Visitor Moorings: We currently maintain one visitor mooring, with plans to expand. Use of this mooring is subject to the same fees and honesty policy.

5. Launching & Water Activities

  • Water Entry: Due to strict public liability insurance restrictions, swimming, diving, and jumping from the pontoon are strictly prohibited. Permitting these activities would void our insurance; therefore, this rule is strictly enforced.
  • Launching: You may only launch unpowered craft, such as kayaks and canoes, from the slipway/pontoon. The launching of motorised vessels, jet skis, and waterskis is strictly prohibited.

6. Site Rules & Local Etiquette

  • Litter: We operate a strict “take it home” policy. There are no public bins provided at the pontoon.
  • Toilets: There are no public toilet facilities on site. The nearby Stagecoach Inn is very welcoming, but please note their facilities are for paying patrons only.
  • Wildlife & Fishing: Treat all local wildlife with respect. Crabbing is welcome, provided all marine life is safely returned to the water. [Insert your final committee decision regarding fishing here].

7. Facilities & Services

  • No Marine Services: The Cairndow pontoon is a basic community mooring facility. We do not offer electricity, fuel, fresh water, or pump-out services.
  • Nearest Services: The nearest dedicated marine services (fuel and water) are located further down Loch Fyne at Portavadie Marina (petrol/diesel) and Tarbert Harbour (diesel only).

8. Contact Information

To report damage, a safety hazard, or for any general enquiries, please contact the Cairndow Mooring Association at info@lochfynemooring.co.uk.

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