Sandbank, Argyll facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sandbank
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 Looking southeast along the A815 in Sandbank |
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 Sandbank
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| Population | 1,320 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NS 163 802 |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | DUNOON, ARGYLL |
| Postcode district | PA23 |
| Dialling code | 01369 |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Sandbank is a small village in Scotland. It is located on the Cowal peninsula in an area called Argyll and Bute. Sandbank is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) north of Dunoon. It sits by the Holy Loch, which is a sea loch (a narrow inlet of the sea) connected to the Firth of Clyde. In Scottish Gaelic, Sandbank is known as Taigh a' Chladaich.
Contents
History of Sandbank
Boat Building at Robertsons
A long time ago, in 1876, a man named Alexander Robertson started a small workshop in Sandbank. He repaired boats there. His company, Alexander Robertson & Sons, grew to be one of the best builders of wooden boats on the River Clyde.
The best time for Robertson's yard was in the early 1900s. They started building amazing racing yachts, like the 12-meter and 15-meter types. Robertsons was famous for its excellent work. They even built the first 15-meter yacht designed by the famous William Fife. This yacht was called Shimna and was built in 1907.
Before World War I, Robertsons built more than 55 boats. The yard stayed busy even during the Great Depression in the 1930s. This was because many rich business people loved yacht racing on the Clyde.
During World War II, the yard helped the navy. They made many fast motor boats for the Fairmile Marine company. After the war, they built successful "Loch Long" boats. They also built two 12-meter yachts for the America's Cup race: Sceptre (in 1958) and Sovereign (in 1964).
The Robertson family sold the yard in 1965. It then started making boats from GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). The yard closed in 1980. Over 104 years, Robertson's Yard built about 500 boats. Many of these boats are still sailing today! The old yard site is now used for homes and the new Holy Loch Marina.
From 1961 to 1992, Sandbank was important for the U.S. Navy. It was home to a submarine base in the Holy Loch. This base was part of the US Atlantic Fleet. For 30 years, during the Cold War, it was the main port for the U.S. Navy's Submarine Squadron 14.
Today, part of the old navy area is a place where timber is loaded onto ships. It also has a marina for boats.
Fun Things to Do
National Cycle Route 75
Sandbank is on the National Cycle Route 75. This is a long bike path that goes between Edinburgh and Tarbert. The National Cycle Network is looked after by an organization called sustrans.
Holy Loch Sailing Club
If you like sailing, the Holy Loch Sailing Club is in Sandbank. It's a great place for people who enjoy boats and the water.
Holy Loch Marina
Sandbank is also home to the Holy Loch Marina. This is a big place where over 200 boats can dock.
Local Places
Sandbank Primary School used to be in the middle of the village from 1864 to 1977. Then, it moved to a new building southeast of the village.
As of 2024, Sandbank does not have any public houses (pubs). The Oakbank Hotel closed, and the Holy Loch Inn also closed in 2023.
The old Sandbank Parish Church was built in 1868. It stands on the high road. Its church group joined with Kirn Parish Church in 2017. Now they are called Kirn & Sandbank Parish Church. The old church building was put up for sale.
Cemetery
Cowal Cemetery is a burial ground located between Sandbank and Dunoon. It was created in 1972.
Images for kids
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Dusk on the Holy Loch
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Ardnadam
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Sandbank Primary school
See also
In Spanish: Sandbank para niños
