Colintraive is a village on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scottish Highlands. Once the site where cattle were swum across the narrows to the Isle of Bute, a ferry - operated by Calmac - now provides a link to the island.
Geography and amenities
Colintraive is located on the west coast of the Cowal peninsula. Its area includes Ardtaraig / Loch Striven in the north west, the head and the shores of Loch Riddon in the north east, while the village itself faces the Kyles of Bute. The Colintraive area extends further south to Couston and around this hill back into Loch Striven again. The name Colintraive derives from Gaelic and means "swimming strait" or "swimming narrows". In the past, cattle were swum over from the Isle of Bute to Colintraive on their way to the markets of lowland Scotland. The village hosts a few facilities, primarily the hotel/pub-restaurant, and its small adjoining post office. The Colintraive Hotel was once owned and run by jazz guitarist and BBC radio personalityKen Sykora for 5 years during the 1970s. A Heritage Centre opened in 2009. The nearest town of notable size on the mainland is Dunoon, which is twenty minutes drive away on the east coast of the peninsula, facing Gourock and the Firth of Clyde.
Sports and recreation
Colintraive and its nearest neighbouring village of Glendaruel share a shinty team named Col-Glen. An active bowling club meets regularly during the summer and winter season. Colintraive and Glendaruel are located on the
Depopulation and regeneration
The name Col-Glen is also used by the which was set up to combat the declining population and economy in the two villages. Glendaruel local Michael Russell MSP and current Scottish Minister for 'Brexit affairs', said of the project: "A small and fragile community like Colintraive and Glendaruel must go forward or it will inexorably decline – in population, in services and in viability." Falling rapidly in recent years, the total adult population of the 2 villages combined was estimated at 250 in 2009. For over 60 years until the late 1990s Caol Ruadh, one of Colintraive's Victorian mansions set in a 20-acre estate, was used as a residential school for children from Glasgow with special educational needs. (As a guest at Caol Ruadh in the 602', I have nothing but praise for the staff school. As an 'On Waterfont' city kid, I learned much more about life, people and a love for nature that I hold dear even in now in my sixties. I also feel it most important in light of those who had much less pleasant experiences in such establishments. No wolves lurking there my friends. Financial concerns caused the City of Glasgow council first to reduce subsidies and later to sell the property after it use reduced when user charges were introduced. In 2012 the grounds were opened as a sculpture park for contemporary sculpture and art works. The village no longer has its own primary school, and pupils are instead bussed to Kilmodan Primary School in Glendaruel. Secondary school pupils attend Dunoon Grammar School, the only secondary school in Cowal.
Transport
Colintraive lies on the A886 road, which links to the Isle of Bute. A ferry crosses the 400 yard gap to Rhubodach on Bute, giving access to the tourist town of Rothesay. West Coast Motors provides a bus service, see its .
Community Council
The Colintraive & Glendaruel consists of six members, and meets every third Monday of the month.
