Villagers to tackle years of decline
ardrishaig folk want improvements made, including a hall revamp and community tearoom
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People in a former west coast fishing community are getting behind plans to reverse years of decline in their village.
Ardrishaig, once famous for its Loch Fyne kippers, is situated at the east end of the Crinan Canal.
But, despite its idyllic location, the village has suffered years of degradation as a result of the loss of the herring fishing industry and a much-criticised decision in the 1970s to demolish the buildings on the lochside of the main street to make way for a car park.
Most trading now takes place in the neighbouring town of Lochgilphead, less than three miles along the road.
But Argyll and Bute Council has designated Ardrishaig an area for action and the council, together with British Waterways, which owns and operates the canal, has commissioned a consultants’ report into the village.
And already more than 40 people have signed up as members of the Ardrishaig Community Trust, which is being established to ensure the development of Ardrishaig brings benefit to the community.
The setting up of the trust is proposed in the consultants’ final report, which is to be published soon.
Locals are looking into rebuilding their ageing public hall, providing a community tearoom and building changing facilities for the young sailing club members.
Company secretary Peter Hogbin said: “The public hall is useable, but it was designed and built many years ago as a cinema, and extended. It could be better. The kitchen is in need of refurbishment.”
He added: “We are looking at a community tearoom because one of the complaints from locals and visitors is that there is nowhere to have a cup of tea.”
The football pitch was until recently constantly water-logged. A new drainage system has improved the situation, and now villagers want to provide changing facilities for teams and a new children’s play area.
Donnie McLeod, one of the directors and acting chairman of the newly-formed company, said: “The community is getting behind the drive for regeneration at Ardrishaig. Argyll and Bute Council identified the village as an area for action and the Ardrishaig Community Trust will be the catalyst to ensure that any development is in line with the needs of the village.”
A meeting of the members of the trust is to be held in Ardrishaig Public Hall, Chalmers Street, at 7.30pm on Wednesday, when the members will elect a full board of directors.
Peter Hogbin added: “We expect a big turnout to elect the directors.
“Years of decline and degradation will not be stopped overnight, but this will be the first step to ensuring that Ardrishaig is a fit place for the 21st century.
“At the meeting, there will be an opportunity to discuss what needs to be done and to set out the priorities for action.”
Ardrishaig Community Council has also given the trust its full support, encouraging all residents to join.
The annual subscription for Ardrishaig Community Trust costs £1. Membership forms can be obtained at John Law’s shop, Chalmers Street.
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