New SKDT hall set to open on Saturday
An open day with attractions for people of all ages will celebrate the official opening of the newly-named SKDT Hall, formerly known as the Red Cross Hall, tomorrow (Saturday).
South Kintyre Development Trust (SKDT) recently added to its portfolio of assets, including Campbeltown Town Hall, by purchasing the Kirk Street building with support from the Scottish Land Fund. A competition was run to choose the hall’s new name.
SKDT trust manager Eric Spence, who took over the role from Zena Coffield in late May, said: ‘We are extremely appreciative of the support from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase this historic building on behalf of the community.
‘We are now working to develop SKDT Hall into a volunteer hub which we believe will complement our current projects and activities at Campbeltown Town Hall and elsewhere.
‘Bringing this asset back into public ownership is a fine example of community-led action and I am confident the people of the area will continue to support these efforts.
‘The closure of community halls across the country has had a serious impact on local area groups and services and we hope this space will bridge the gap and encourage a collaborative approach across the third sector and other services to maximise social impact.’
Eric was the original consultant working on the town hall project, involved with things such as business planning, fundraising and grant applications, later becoming the project co-ordinator for the building’s refurbishment.
He added: ‘I have an intimate knowledge of the trust and of the area, having lived and worked here for more than 30 years now.’
Since the purchase of the former Red Cross Hall, SKDT has carried out some refurbishment to the building and it will be officially reopened, under its new name, tomorrow.
Anne Cousin, who for many years headed up the Kintyre branch of the British Red Cross, which was disbanded in 2018, will have the honour of cutting the ribbon and unveiling the hall’s new sign at 10am, followed by an open day including teas, coffees, homebaking and, depending on the weather, a barbecue.
There will be free activities for children, with Funky Chicken attending between noon and 3pm and, again dependent on weather, outdoor games and a bouncy castle.