Dunoon the popularity of overseas travel increased. In 1961, during the height of the Cold War, Dunoon became a garrison town to the United States Navy. In 1992, they closed their Holy Loch base, and Dunoon suffered an economic downturn. Since the base's closure, the town and surrounding area are again turning to tourism, marketing to outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers as well as promoting festivals and competitions. The largest annual event held in the town is the Cowal Highland Gathering. The Royal National Mòd has been held in the town seven times and in 2018 will again be held at
MV Cowal was advertised, as "Med Star", to take up service across the southern Adriatic, from Otranto to Igoumenitsa. Phetouris died in 1983 and his vision for the former "Cowal" and was never progressed. "Med Star" was sold for scrap in December 1983, and broken up the following year. MV "Cowal" was virtually identical to her older sister, . "Cowal" was the first Clyde vessel to enter service with radar. Passenger accommodation consisted of a large lounge and a tearoom above, and a bar below, the car deck. The bridge was above the upper deck, allowing passengers unobstructed views forward. Officer and