Arrochar and Tarbet crowned Village of the Year

Jul 17 2009 by Amanda McKendrick, Lennox Herald (main ed)

A GROUP of lochside villagers who are realising a dream of revitalising their community have been hailed for their efforts.

Arrochar and Tarbet have been crowned Village of the Year for the central region in the Calor Gas competition for their efforts over the last 10 years.

The community saved Arrochar Church from demolition and all chipped in to completely refurbish the building, which is now a thriving community asset, with services held there weekly.

Their efforts were backed by Arrochar and Tarbet Community Council and a development trust was formed which went onto to purchase the Pit Stop Diner, which in turn helped to generate funds for a new community hall.

The hall, backed by £1.1 million in funding including a major grant from the national lottery, is set for a January 2010 opening.

The community has the champagne on ice for that milestone and has been further boosted with recognition, as well as being awarded a £2000 prize pot for community investment in the Scottish competition.

Retta Deerin, a director of Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust, said: “We are thrilled to have been given this award. These projects started around 10 years ago and since then we have successfully renovated the church with help from the community as well as purchasing the Pit Stop.

“Now we are looking forward to our new hall opening in January, which will be a great asset for the community, and are hoping to renovate the Pit Stop and provide play areas.

“We are also talking to Argyll and Bute Council, as well as the national park about a new jetty.”

Arrochar and Tarbet also received a separate award for business, which came with a £500 prize.

While the village of Cardross was awarded a £500 prize for communication.

The awards are designed to allow Scotland’s rural communities to promote their success and achievements, share best community practice and demonstrate initiatives towards sustainability.

The three regional winners will be visited by a panel of judges next month and the overall Scottish Calor Village of the Year will receive a further £7,000 for community investment, a commemorative plaque and a community celebration on September 26.