17 October 2025 marked 40 years since the Cawley family arrived at Duck Bay Marina on the banks of Loch Lomond
Clint Eastwood, Sir Billy Connolly, President Bill Clinton and Gerard Butler.
Alan Cawley goes down Memory Lane
I remember the day we arrived at Duck Bay as if it were yesterday. It was a beautiful sunny morning, and we were so excited to acquire such a stunning location.”
Back in 1985, Duck Bay was in need of regeneration and investment. There were three partners – Bobby Cawley, pictured right, his wife Margaret, and Alan himself. Bobby had a remarkable vision of what Duck Bay could become, believing passionately in its potential to grow into an iconic Scottish destination.
At that time, Loch Lomond had no National Park status, there were no golf courses, and Cameron House was a run-down bear park.
Undeterred, the family rolled up their sleeves and began a refurbishment programme.
Incredibly, Duck Bay reopened to the public just four weeks later – marking the start of a transformation that continues to this day.
Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength.
Today, Duck Bay is recognised as one of Scotland’s best-known hotel and restaurant complexes.
Following Bobby’s passing in January 1999, Alan took over the reins and has continued to grow the company into what is now Cawley Hotels, a thriving hospitality group with five world-class venues across central Scotland; a team of over 300 dedicated staff, and a state of the art central headquarters and training academy.
There were plans for a centralised production kitchen in preparation of the groups’s planned expansion.
Over the years, the Cawley venues have welcomed countless famous faces, including Clint Eastwood, Bill Clinton, Gerard Butler, and Bobby’s close friend Billy Connolly, as well as world-famous bands such as ABBA and Take That.
Alan is quick to pay tribute to his incredible team:
He said: “Hospitality is a hard game, and I’ve seen so many changes over the decades. But one constant has always been our fantastic and loyal customers.
“We never forget that we owe them everything, and I’d like to take this opportunity on our 40th birthday to thank each and every one of them.
“I’m also immensely proud that, after all these years, some of our original team members are still working alongside me today.”
Happy memories of 40 successful years at Duck Bay from contented customers and staff:
Top of page: Alan Cawley, the man with the golden touch at Cawley Hotels.
Congratulations and celebrations …
Billy Mckay: I worked on the door as a steward back in 1985/86 and some of 87. When it was very popular with the boating community before Cameron House. It was definitely one of my favorite nightclubs to work. Many great memories from that time.
Maureen Mclaughlin: Loved the chicken in the basket, the nightclub and the big fireplace in the middle with the seating round it.
Rose Gray: Big congratulations to Alan Lynn and all the team. We had a delicious lunch there today , thank you for bringing back the old favorites to the menu.
It was wonderful to toast your success . Keep doing what you do best.
Audrey Kiltie: I remember the discos on a Saturday night. Then the fireplace in the middle and the fab Sunday lunches. The wee shop outside where I bought my white leather Duck Bay keyring, I now bring my two grandchildren to Bobby’s for lunch, a lifetime of memories , thank you.
Jackie Malloy: OMG I remember running round that original L shaped bar like yesterday, before tucking into my chicken in a basket. Mum having her pate and dad his fillet steak. Duck Bay has certainly been my second home for 51 years. My happiest memories as a family lie here – truly golden moments I’ll never forget. Congratulations Alan – what an epic journey it has been for you. A big mahoosive cheers to you all.
Linda Duncan: My husband and I love the Duck Bay. It’s our go to place when in the area, lovely hotel & restaurant, with amazing food. Keep up the good work everyone. All the best.
Dot Thomson: Remember back in the day when the stage was above the bar with either live music or dj.
Josef HairDesign: Had my 21st dinner & wedding there. Dinners especially on Christmas Eve is fab. We’ve always had a great experience fabulous team of staff. Congratulations.
John Gallacher: I remember the night club. Brilliant night out.
Caroline McGillivray: Used to go here for lunch on a Sunday when I was a kid, you couldn’t beat the scampi in a basket.
Paul Spence: Stayed a few weeks ago , quality time . Great food and stunning rooms and amazing staff.
Scott Millar: Amazing how much has changed since those crazy Fri/Sat nights under the stars. Christmas eve and Hogmany legendary.
Every return from Adelaide requires at least one visit to Duck Bay. I always go straight to the counter and get one of those strawberry tarts. Bliss combines with memory. Home again.