¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s Tarbert Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund has helped kick-start opportunities for change along the Crinan Canal Corridor.
The re-opening of the historic Egg Shed, on Ardrishaig’s waterfront, as a community hub, on Friday 2 August marks the first stage of the regeneration of the gateway to the Crinan Canal.
By breathing new life into the disused building, former garage and new extension, partners behind the project have provided a space to tell the tale story of the Crinan Canal and the communities on its banks.
The development includes new parking facilities and improved walking and cycling links.
The council, in partnership with Scottish Canals, has worked with the Ardrishaig Community Council and the local Development Trust for a number of years to find ways of bringing investment, environmental improvements and regeneration opportunities to Ardrishaig waterfront.
In 2016, more than 200 local people and stakeholders joined the Rethink the link – Crinan Canal Charette to put forward ideas for an action plan and ideas for projects that were put forward for funding through the Tarbert Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund (TLRF).
The Egg Shed project was one of three chosen for development and attracted further funding from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) in 2017/18.
Councillor Aileen Morton, Leader of the Council and Policy Lead for Economic Development, said: “We began with a determination to work in partnership with Scottish Canals and the community to deliver projects that will create jobs and help to grow the population of the area, which will help boost our local economy.
“The opening of the Egg Shed is just one piece of an ambitious programme of regeneration for the wider regeneration of Mid ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥. This includes further development of the Gleaner Oil site and public realm in Ardrishaig, the Front Green and town centre, Lochgilphead, and made a contribution to new on-shore facilities in Tarbert.
“I look forward to seeing it realised and the economic opportunities it brings for Mid ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥.â€
Note to editors: The Egg Shed project is funded by the Scottish Government and the European Community ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and the Islands LEADER 2014-2020 programme; the National Lottery Heritage Fund; the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund; Scottish Canals; ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund; Highlands & Islands Enterprise; SUSTRANS Community Links Fund; Shanks ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ & Bute and ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund; and Ardrishaig Community Trust.