Ardrishaig Community Council

SERVING THE PEOPLE OF ARDRISHAIG

Ardrishaig (Gael. ard-driseach, `height full of briars'), is situated on the west shore of Loch Gilp where it joins Loch Fyne. In the past it was described as the port of Lochgilphead, and was the centre of an extensive herring fishery.

In 1809 the Crinan Canal was opened linking Loch Fyne to the Sound of Jura at Crinan.  By 1829, over 30,000 passengers were travelling along the canal each year and Ardrishaig became a significant port during the 19th century for passenger as well as freight traffic. In summer up to five steamers daily arrived and departed from and to Greenock, some running as far as Oban, Iona, and Inverness.

These days the Crinan Canal is quieter, but leisure sailors, kayakers, cyclist and walkers love it as the most beautiful short-cut from the Clyde estuary through to the Inner Hebrides and further.

Ardrishaig Community Council’s vision is to achieve the kind of ‘visible change’ that honours the charm and bustle of the old Ardrishaig, destroyed in part by the depredations of 20th century ‘progress’. The village stands at the Loch Fyne entrance to the Crinan Canal, and was once a centre for herring fishing. We’d like to see the Ardrishaig Waterfront, with its access to the Canal, as a magnet for visitors to the area, a fitting introduction to the beauty and tranquillity of Mid-Argyll, Knapdale and Kintyre.

Working in partnership with Ardrishaig Community Trust, Scottish Canals, Argyll and Bute Council, and other organisations, we hope to see the community-owned facilities brought up to date, the public realm improved and the various amenities developed to ensure that the village is a great place to live, work and play.

ARDRISHAIG COMMUNITY COUNCIL is an elected body whose objectives are:

  1. to ascertain, co-ordinate and reflect the views of the community which it represents, to liaise with other community groups within the area, and to fairly express the diversity of opinions and outlooks of the people;

  2. to express the views of the local community to the local authority for the area to public authorities and other organisations;

  3. to take such action in the interests of the community as appears to it to be desirable and practicable;

  4. to promote the well-being of the community and to foster community spirit;

  5. to be a means whereby the people of the area shall be able to voice their opinions on any matter affecting their lives, their welfare, their environment, its development and amenity.

(https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/council-and-government/community- councils)

Community councillors must be residents of the ward and serve on a voluntary basis. The Community Council has a small administration budget from Argyll and Bute Council, and liaises directly with elected district councillors.

The Community Council normally meets on the first Tuesday of the month in the Public Hall, Ardrishaig, at 7:30 p.m.  Meetings are open to all members of the community and residents of Ardrishaig are entitled – and encouraged –  to ask questions, raise concerns, or make suggestions as to how Ardrishaig can be a better place to live, work and visit!

You can email the Community Council at: ArdrishaigCommunityCouncil@outlook.com