Plans for a tourism and residential development at the site of the former torpedo range on Loch Long have gone public.

The proposals include "sustainable housing, holiday lodges [and] glamping pods" at the site on the west shore of the loch, opposite Arrochar.

Ardnagal Estates' plans went live online today (Wednesday) - shortly before the doors opened on a drop-in event at the Three Villages Hall in Arrochar, giving village residents the chance to have a look at the proposals and to speak to the project team.

The firm's plans include retaining the original pier and creating a "commercial hub" at the site as well as a bunkhouse and camping facilities.

The pier will retain the existing steel frame of the building, while also giving visitors views over Loch Long.

The site began life as a torpedo testing site in the First World War, and remained in use until the 1980s.

The firm behind the plans, Framed Estates, boasts previous work on Thomas Coats Memorial Church and St Mirren FC in Paisley.

Torpedoes, without warheads, were tested along the length of the Loch Long Torpedo Range - later renamed the Royal Navy Torpedo Range - throughout both world wars.

in 1944, at the height of its activity, more than 12,500 torpedoes were test-fired down Loch Long – an average of 48 per day.

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The testing range closed in 1986 and lay dormant until partial demolition began in 2007. A fire that year led to the site being left to return to nature.

Developers say the area is popular now with urban explorers and divers.

Ardnagal Estates bought the site – which was operated as a Royal Navy torpedo testing range from 1912 until 1986, but has lain derelict ever since – after it was advertised for sale in April 2021.

They state: "The former torpedo range is one of the most significant in the local area with a long and storied history, preceding its almost equally lengthy period of dilapidation.

"Ardnagal Estates intends to remedy what has become something of an eyesore in an area of otherwise spectacular beauty.

"The masterplan represents a significant investment in the local economy and the opportunity for a once bustling part of Arrochar to reinforce it’s status as gateway to some of the worlds most beautiful natural landscapes.

"In heavy use by the ministry of defence for the better part of the last century the former torpedo testing range has lain dormant, slowly deteriorating for the last four decades.

"The newly proposed development, titled Ardnagal Estate, will lend a new lease of life to the north western shore of Loch Long.

"Returning use and access to what has become somewhat of a blight on the landscape."

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Plans state the bunkhouse can accommodate up to 40 people and will be aimed at schools and organisations "who may be working with restricted budgets". They said it could also suit team building weekends and even moutaineering training.

There would also be 20 glamping pods and 10 motor home pitches, with 15 parking spaces, enviromentally friendly composting toilets, shower block and rubbish disposal and recycling.

Further details about the plans can be found at www.ardnagalestates.com.

A previous proposal to create a five-star hotel and resort at the site - the Ben Arthur Resort - was unveiled in 2012. 

Those plans included a 130-bedroom hotel with 16 residential units and 36 apartments on the disused land along with a chandlery, helipad and marina.

Planning permission for that scheme lapsed in 2017.