Heritage centre plans to celebrate story of ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut’
● Crinan Canal and kingdom of Dalriada in focus
The story of “Britain’s most beautiful shortcut” and the ancient coastal kingdom of Dalriada is set to be brought to life with a £1.5 million heritage centre planned for the gateway to the Crinan Canal in Ardrishaig.
The project will see the transformation and extension of a historic, disused building – known locally as the “Egg Shed” – into a centre for leisure, marine and community use that will tell the story of the canal and the communities on its banks.
From its role in the ancient Gaelic kingdom of Dalriada to the tale of Queen Victoria’s journey along the Crinan Canal, the new centre is intended to allow visitors to step into the history of Midargyll via an array of interactive exhibits and interpretation material.
As well as the creation of the interpretation attraction, the revamped Egg Shed project includes space for community activities that could include everything from art installations to pop-up exhibitions and opportunities for social enterprises and community groups.
An array of public realm and access improvements also form part of the project, with plans to create new viewpoints and walkways around the building and new access connections with Ardrishaig.
The works, which form the first phase of the redevelopment of a former oil depot in the area, are expected to be complete by early 2019.
Christopher Breslin, head of regeneration and development at Scottish Canals, said: “Over the past few years, we’ve worked with our partners and the local community to develop a shared vision for the future of the Crinan Canal corridor.
“This project marks the latest stage in the delivery of those grand ambitions and the transformation of Ardrishaig into an attractive leisure, tourism and maritime hub.”
The project is intended to be completed by 2019.
Scottish Canals and Argyll & Bute Council held a series of collaborative design workshops, known as a “charrette”, in 2016 to help shape the future of the Crinan Canal corridor.
Supported by technical experts and designers, the sessions generated a number of ideas and proposals to help maximise the tourism, leisure and business opportunities offered by the canal and ensure the long-term future of Ardrishaig, Crinan and Lochgilphead.
The regeneration of the former Gleaner Oil depot in Ardrishaig, of which the Egg Shed forms a key part, was one of the key priorities identified by the community.
The canal was built to offer a short cut for sailing and fishing vessels to make the journey between Glasgow to the West Highlands. It was designed by civil engineer John Rennie and work started in 1794, but was not completed until 1801, two years behind schedule.
Queen Victoria travelled along the canal to Crinan during a holiday in the Highlands in 1847.
She was greeted at Ardrishaig and her boat was towed by four horses, two of which were ridden by postilions in royal livery. At Crinan she boarded the royal yacht Victoria and Albert. Her journey made the canal a tourist attraction