Efforts to preserve and restore Lochgilphead’s historic charm are in full swing as the town’s Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) continues to make progress.
This ambitious £2.3 million heritage-led project, jointly funded by 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Council and Historic Environment Scotland (HES), along with contributions from building owners, is breathing new life into the town’s historic buildings while fostering traditional skills and community involvement.
The CARS programme is not just about bricks and mortar; it is a comprehensive initiative that includes a variety of activities aimed at revitalising the town. From building repairs and shopfront enhancements to hands-on traditional skills training and engaging education events, the project is helping to transform the town.
Significant work to restore 1 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Street and 3-17 Colchester Square is now complete, while work is almost finished on the project’s other two priority buildings at 2-4 and 6-10 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Street, including a full makeover of the exteriors. Work is also progressing well at 15-19 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Street.
The following shopfront improvement projects are also progressing well and are expected to be finished by the end of May:
- 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Café, 23-25 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Street
- 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Pharmacy, 4 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Street
- 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Wealth Consultants, 10 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Street
These shopfronts have been restored to a high-quality heritage standard, benefitting from various improvements, including new hardwood glazed timber doors, double glazed windows, lead-covered fascias, new colour schemes and traditional hand-painted signage. Notably, 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp Pharmacy now boasts a new state-of-the-art dispenser, enabling people to access their prescriptions 24 hours a day. The grant awards for these projects also includes funding from the Scottish Governments Place Based Investment (PBI) Programme. Numerous Small Repair grant projects have also been completed over the past few years as part of the initiative.
Council Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, said:
“It is incredibly rewarding to see our historic buildings being restored to their former glory and the positive impact that this has had on the vibrancy of the town and the pride local people take in the area. The CARS programme is not just about preserving the past; it is about building a brighter future for Lochgilphead and the community of Mid 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp.â€
Plans are now underway for further education events in partnership with local schools, and additional training courses will be available to building owners and tradespeople in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for further details coming soon.
