The Egg Shed, a £1.5 million new heritage and community hub, is set to open next month in the latest milestone marker in the regeneration of Ardrishaig Harbour.
The Scottish Canals-led partnership project has transformed and extended a historic, disused building – known locally as the ‘Egg Shed’ – into a bespoke interpretation and community centre, which sits alongside the Steamer Terminal café in Pier Square.
An official opening of the hub will take place on Friday 2nd August at 1.15pm, with the public invited to learn the stories of ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut’ at the gateway to the Crinan Canal in Ardrishaig.
Pier Square will come alive between 11am and 4pm with music, activities, environmental and STEM stalls hosted by Scottish Canals, craft stalls, local makers and food and beverage at The Steamer Terminal.
Members of the public will have the option to go on a journey through time with a free walking theatre tour of the Crinan Canal, unearthing the history and tales moored along the canal banks.
The launch event will also recognise the “twinning” of the Crinan Canal with the Dalslands Canal in Sweden, encouraging boaters to explore the partnered waterways. An official plaque will be unveiled on the day commemorating the twinning.
“The Egg Shed has brought the many incredible tales of Mid-Argyll to life and marks the exciting next step in the redevelopment of Ardrishaig Harbour, as a vibrant leisure, tourism and maritime hub. It's one of the first projects to be delivered following the Crinan Canal Charette held a couple of years ago.
“The Crinan Canal is widely used by visiting yachts and fishermen today, but many of them pass through the waterway without knowing the rich history and heritage associated with the Scheduled Monument. The Egg Shed provides the perfect opportunity to learn about the canal and surrounding area, whilst The Steamer Terminal offers food and beverage, making it a worthwhile place to stop.”
In addition to telling the story of the local area, the Egg Shed includes space for community activities and a range of attractions including art installations, pop-up exhibitions and opportunities for training, 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 Egg Shed project is funded by the Scottish Government and the European Community Argyll and the Islands LEADER 2014-2020 programme; the National Lottery Heritage Fund; the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund; Scottish Canals; Argyll and Bute Council’s Tarbert & Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund; Highlands & Islands Enterprise; SUSTRANS Community Links Fund; Shanks Argyll & Bute and Argyll & Bute Council through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund; and Ardrishaig Community Trust.