Take a literal walk down memory lane this summer
Think you know all of Campbeltown’s history? Well, you might learn a thing or two more on one of the town’s historical walking tours.
The free tours run every Wednesday in July and August, with the first of 2019 taking place this week, and are delivered by local guides.
The walks are organised by the Campbeltown Heritage Trail Group, formed in 2010 as part of the Campbeltown Townscape Heritage Initiative to provide people with an interesting insight into the area’s historic past, ensuring its heritage is not lost. People from all across the world have joined the walks, which typically last about an hour.
The first attraction is not far from the start – the statue of Sir William MacKinnon, 1st Baronet of Strathaird and Loup, which stands outside the Aqualibrium.
Sir William MacKinnon was born at Argyll Street, Campbeltown, in 1823, and rose from humble beginnings to become the founder and manager of a world-class mercantile network.
The next stop is Campbeltown Cross, the 14th century crucifix taken from Kilkivan Cemetery to Campbeltown to serve as a market cross in 1680.
It is said to be the largest and most famous example of a late medieval Celtic cross in mainland Argyll and an iconic emblem of Campbeltown.
A very short walk from the cross, Campbeltown’s two quays have been at the centre of the town’s working life and economy for more than 250 years.
The Old Quay was completed in 1712 and, perhaps surprisingly given its moniker, the New Quay was finished in 1765.
Linking the two quays is Hall Street, where the ‘Wee Train’ used to operate. The two were inextricably connected during the opening decades of the 20th century.
An increase in tourism inspired the formation of the Campbeltown and Machrihanish Light Railway Company in 1906, the addition of carriages to an existing coal-carrying railway, which ran until 1932.
Also on Hall Street, Campbeltown Picture House is one of the earliest purpose-built cinemas in Scotland and is possibly the oldest continuously running film theatre in the country.
The A-listed building, designed by renowned architect Albert Gardner, underwent £3.5 million renovations, reopening in 2017 with a second screen, café and conference space.
The Burnet Building, which houses Campbeltown Museum, was opened in 1899 as a gift to the town by businessman and local benefactor James Macalister-Hall of Killean and Tangy.
The next stop along the tour is a short walk along to Quarry Green, beside the ferry terminal. Looking out across Campbeltown Loch, walkers will spot Fort Argyll, built in 1639 as a defensive installation at the entrance to the loch.
Just up the road, Stewart’s Green is the site of the Old Gaelic or Highland Church of Campbeltown.
Along the road Kirk Street Hall sits where the First Lowland Church of Campbeltown was built in 1654.
On Main Street sits Campbeltown Town Hall, built between 1758 and 1760. Extensive refurbishments were carried out with the hall reopening in 2016.
At the top of Main Street, the final stop on the tour is Castlehill – the site of the long-demolished Lochhead Castle.
Much more detail and many other features are pointed out along the way and the information flows throughout, with some small details which may seem insignificant at first glance, taking on a whole new meaning.
Tours, which may vary slightly depending on guides, leave from the Aqualibrium, Kinloch Road, at 2pm each Wednesday and no booking is required.