MSP reopens Wee Toon’s most elegant tenement
A BUILDING restoration costing more than £650,000 was formally completed with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
MSP Michael Russell declared 50 to 52 Cross/Main Street open after a partnership between Lochgilphead-based MacLeod Construction and Argyll and Bute Council restored the derelict building.
This building was once described by Historic Scotland as ‘Campbeltown’s most elegant tenement’, and once again it may hold that position.
It was identified as a key building by Campbeltown Townscape Heritage Initiative. Council staff spent several years securing funding and helping to develop the project that saved the building.
Guests at the event on Friday of last week included the Lord Lieutenant, Patrick Stewart, directors from MacLeod Construction and three Kintyre councillors.
They heard Mr Russell speak about the Campbeltown he was shown by Argyll and Bute officer James Lafferty just after his election in 2011.
Mr Russell said: ‘In 2011, Campbeltown was not pretty, there was an awful lot of decay and decline.
‘You have a choice in those situations and you have to decide how to change things and you will not change them unless everybody is working together.
‘This building and the Town House are examples of people making that decision to change the town away from decline and to growth and finding ways to work together bit by bit.’
Earlier Councillor Rory Colville praised the team effort across council departments, including economic development, housing services, legal services and planning and building standards.
He added: ‘Also thanks to the town centre users, in particular the neighbouring businesses, who have had a difficult time but never complained.
‘Without this partnership project the building would certainly have been demolished, leaving an eyesore in the middle of town.
‘An added benefit is the repair and reinstatement of the store and cellar of the prominent Macgochan’s Bar.
‘It is now under new ownership and it is hoped it could reopen next year.’
After the ceremony guests toured the new flats, which have already had significant interest, and it is hoped all four will soon have tenants.