ROYAL APPROVAL FOR THREE VILLAGES HALL ARROCHAR

The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay visited the new Three Villages Community Hall in Arrochar today (Thursday 3 June). Set in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park with stunning panoramic views of Loch Long, the hall officially opened earlier this year and was designed by Bruce and Neil Architects in Oban. The campus was the vision of Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust who campaigned for over 10 years to put the heart back into the local community by offering to host a range of facilities and spaces including recreational activities and learning opportunities.

Speaking about the royal visit, Duncan MacLachlan, Chair of the Community Development Trust said: “We’re delighted to showcase this amazing facility today. It’s a real milestone following on from the recent accolade Village of the Year. The community hall not only benefits the close communities of Arrochar, Tarbet and Succoth but also the vast amount of visitors we receive every year. We can at least provide a good reception for our visitors and provide facilities for our vibrant communities. By positioning the hall on the lochside we can provide an outstanding gateway to the greater area and capitalise on future opportunities that marine transport may bring. It was an honour to show the Duke and Duchess around the facilities. The Community Development Trust has received a lot of help, advice and support over the years and we’re very grateful to all those who have provided us with essential backing to achieve our objective. The building exceeds our expectations with a multi-functional base for local activities and visitors who we hope will have a good experience and return again. It proves that if you believe in something, you can really make it happen.”

Campus Manager, Liz Baillie added: “The Three Villages Hall is such a welcome and essential addition to the local area. We have organisations coming from across the UK to take advantage of the stunning surroundings. There is a whole host of activities we can hold here including corporate away days, wedding receptions, street dance workshops, youth clubs, educational visits and drama productions. In the next coming months, we have the Scottish Chamber Orchestra performing in the hall.  The aim of having such a central facility was not only to help support the community recreationally and economically but to offer our visitors a superb information point. “

During the tour, Pupils from Arrochar Primary School proudly showed the Royal visitors a number of artefacts found at the nearby High Morelaggan archaeological site on Loch Long. The Duke met architect Ronnie Neil who explained how a number of energy efficient systems had been incorporated into the building. They also met the design team including main contractors M&K MacLeod of Lochgilphead. Before leaving, the royal couple unveiled a plaque in the main hall and met with representatives from funding partners including The Big Lottery, Leader+, Argyll & Bute Council along with local community groups, organisations and individuals who had been instrumental in fundraising and supporting the Trust to provide the community with a much needed new hall.

To book an event visit www.3villagestrust.eu