Forestry project aims to raise profile of Mid Argyll

An ambitious heritage project is aiming to build on the rich history and natural heritage of Knapdale and Kilmartin Glen by raising the location’s profile and attracting new visitors.

Native habitats will also be restored to create a rich landscape of native woodland, mire, hill, lochan and sea loch under the Dalriada project.

Forestry Commission Scotland and 11 other partners have joined forces for the pioneering initiative, which also has a goal of putting local communities right at the centre with £90,000 of new funding.

Forestry minister Allan Wilson said: “The hard work undertaken by all the partners involved in this project is resulting in positive action for the local community. The new funding will enable the partners to employ two dedicated staff to take forward the aspirations of the Dalriada project.

“Key to the success of the initiative is getting the views of the local communities. Through the new project officers the community will have the opportunity to help shape the future of the initiative. There should be plenty of scope for local businesses to get involved too, so everyone should benefit from a boost to the local economy.”

The main focus of the Dalriada project is in North Kintyre and the Mid Argyll area, including the communities of Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig, Kilmartin, Crinan, Cairbaan and Tayvallich.

“The area is steeped in a rich heritage and under the project many important archaeological sites and internationally important nature conservation areas would be safeguarded for future enjoyment.”

The project officers will be responsible for raising awareness of the initiative, consulting and involving the communities, stimulating business interests and making the most of the area’s resources.

Forestry Commission Scotland has been driving the project forward with partners Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll Green Wood Workers’ Association, Argyll and the Islands Enterprise; British Waterways Scotland, Historic Scotland, Kilmartin House Museum, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Wildlife Trust, The Waterways Trust Scotland, the area tourist board and Woodland Trust Scotland.

The funding comes from the main partners, Heritage Lottery Fund, under its Landscape Partnerships Scheme, and the Community Economic Development Programme which is part funded by the European Union under the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme.

1984: Fifteen years of service as a charge nurse at the Argyll and Bute Hospital, Lochgilphead, were marked with a presentation to Mr Archie MacAllister at the hospital last week. Our picture shows Mr MacAllister (right) with Dr Lamont MacNab, who handed over a painting on behalf of the staff. Also in the picture is Mrs MacAllister.

2014: Cars and vans made way for swans in Tarbert as the rising tide in the village made roads impassable. Tarbert was one of many coastal towns in Mid Argyll to suffer from flooding as the rising waters of Loch Fyne spilled over harbour walls and onto roads, footpaths and fields.