21/08/2026
Some more behind the scenes at Lochs, Bens & Glens so you can get to know us a bit better.
Something we were seeking when making the move from South Carolina to Dunoon 2 years ago was the chance to plug into a vibrant community with similar interests as ours. Dunoon has been so welcoming, and there is so much going on and so many community groups, you could book out your whole week with activities!
Here are a few things we've gotten involved with this year.
💉 Lance has offered his services as a "bike doctor" for community events held in neighbourhoods in Dunoon. He's helped countless kids and grown ups get back on their bikes with tune ups, repairs and servicing.
🚵 Cowal Mountain Bike Club (CMBC) was one of the first groups we got involved with, and in our second year as members, both Fiona and Lance find themselves on the committee and leading group rides throughout the year. We also took part in the first Sandy Cooksley Challenge, a navigational event in memory of CMBC member Sandy who lost her life to cancer. Fiona got the chance to help out with a kids' MTB sessions as well, an initiative developed and supported by CMBC and Dunoon on the Move (DotM).
🍻 The Oakbank Community Inn opened its doors around Christmas 2025. After COVID-19, Sandbank was left without a pub for close to 4 years. The folks in Sandbank banded together and bought it as a community. Fiona has been working behind the bar, and we look forward to the monthly pub quizzes, which we may have won a few times 😊
🗣️ Fiona continues on her Scottish Gaelic learning journey, and has been active in the Cearcall Còmrhaidh Dhùn Obhainn (Dunoon Conversation Circle) since first arriving in Dunoon. This year, the group officially formalised and Fiona became the Chair to help with administration.
⛰️ Cowalfest 2026 is a hillwalking festival held in Dunoon around October each year. After Fiona attended a hike last year, she offered to help lead walks the following year. Just last week we recce'd the Cruach Neuran hike, ascending to the peak at 650m, in preparation for the festival in a couple of months.
Thank you, Dunoon, for being so welcoming!
