Craobh Haven (Scottish Gaelic pronunciation: [kɾɯːv]) is a small purpose-built village and sailing port on the west coast of Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is situated on the Craignish peninsula, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) west of the A816 road, about 22 miles (35 km) south of Oban and around 17 miles (27 km) north of Lochgilphead.
History and Development
Craobh Haven was built in 1983 as a holiday resort village and marina. The name derives from Scottish Gaelic, where "craobh" means a small tree or shrub; it is pronounced "croove." The Glasgow-based architectural firm Gillespie, Kidd & Coia were involved in the early stages of the project but were replaced before the construction of the buildings. The village was developed on part of the Lunga Estate as a response to housing and tourist needs in Mid-Argyll. Built in the style of a continental fishing village with houses on either side of a single street, the settlement originally comprised approximately 40 houses. The original village was never fully completed as originally planned, though it was later extended with holiday rental properties to the south.
Marina and Harbour
The large, sheltered marina was created by constructing causeways and a large breakwater between a small group of tidal saltwater islands (Eilean Buidhe, Eilean an Duin, and Fraoch Eilean). The marina has approximately 225–250 berths and can accommodate vessels up to 33 metres in length, with a channel depth of 4.0 metres at low water. It is a popular base for exploring the west coast of Scotland and the Hebrides. Since 1994, the marina and much of the surrounding land has been owned by Holt Leisure Parks, proprietors of Kip Marina. As of late 2025, the marina came under new ownership by the Norton family.
Amenities
The village contains one public house called "The Lord of the Isles," a village store, a harbourmaster and marina office, and a watersports centre. Holiday accommodation is available on Eilean Buidhe, one of the small islands surrounding the marina. The village has two small terraces of houses, a group of small cottages (most used as holiday rentals), and several larger houses scattered around the outer edges and hillside above the village. The majority of properties are second homes or holiday rentals, with few permanent residents.
Geography and Surroundings
Craobh Haven overlooks the Firth of Lorne and the Slate Islands, with Shuna being the closest. Beyond the Slate Islands lie the Garvellachs (Isles of the Sea), and to the southwest are the islands of Colonsay, Oronsay, Jura, and Islay. The area is known for its wildlife, including golden eagles, sea eagles, porpoises, and occasionally minke whales. Nearby waters include the Gulf of Corryvreckan, which contains the Corryvreckan whirlpool, the third largest whirlpool in the world.
Sailing and Recreation
The waters surrounding the islands are extensively used for leisure sailing. The area requires good local knowledge due to rapidly changing weather conditions and tidal races. The Garvellachs are popular with recreational divers, with clear waters and diverse marine life including corals, sea stars, anemones, and shellfish. The village also provides access to Lunga Riding Stables, which offers Western riding, trekking, and hacking on pedigree Appaloosa horses.
