Local officer Lafferty is praised for THI success
THE UNDENIABLE success of Campbeltown’s Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) was celebrated as the curtain closed on the project.
Fittingly held in the newly-renovated Town Hall last Thursday, more than 300 people came to learn about the extensive work done to save and maintain many of the Wee Toon’s most iconic buildings.
There were several guest speeches on the day, including one from Argyll and Bute chief executive Cleland Sneddon. He paid tribute to local officer James Lafferty, who was widely recognised as the driv- ing force behind the THI’s success, and the other members of the initiative’s team.
Mr Sneddon said: ‘We are looking after our built heritage for future generations. It’s been an incredible success story.
‘Every single person involved in the Campbeltown projects points out the amazing job James Lafferty has done.
‘If you do not have someone like James driving these projects, going the extra step, they often do not work.’
The initiative has seen more than 40 buildings repaired in total, a number of which were derelict and have now been brought back into use. Many local contractors have benefited as a result of the projects.
More than £7 million has been spent on buildings in the centre of Campbeltown since 2009, all from initial grant awards of £1.8million.
Information boards were placed throughout the hall telling the story of key projects, including the Bunkhouse, the Town Hall and 2 Cross Street, which featured many dramatic before and after pictures.
Work is now underway on the next set of CARS projects, with the event also shedding light on next target areas.
Aileen Morton, policy lead for sustainable economic growth, said in her speech: ‘The people of Campbeltown started the process of regeneration with CARS funding of £200,000 back in 2007.
‘That process has resulted in a spend of millions of pounds across Argyll and Bute.
‘The £7 million spent in Campbeltown has revitalised the community, local jobs have been retained and added to and businesses are doing better as a result.
‘This event perfectly marks the end of one project and the beginning of another.’
James Lafferty gave a typically modest speech in which he thanked everyone, especially his co-workers, for helping make THI such a success.
Councillor Donald Kelly added: ‘At times like this many people have the tendency to come out of the woodwork looking for plaudits.
‘It is therefore very important that the community is aware that the key player and the driving force behind all our projects is local officer James Lafferty.’