Site clearance works get underway kick-starting Ardrishaig’s waterside regeneration

Site clearance works will get underway at Scottish Canals’ former Gleaner Oil site in Ardrishaig, on Monday 12 February, kick-starting the waterside regeneration of the area.

Identified in the 2016 Crinan Corridor Charette design workshop as a key area for regeneration, plans for the site took a step forward in 2017 when £580,000 of funding was granted through Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund to help deliver a mixed use Maritime Hub on part of the former Gleaner site.

These works are due to get underway later in the year subject to securing the final funding contribution, however, an initial phase of site clearance works will commence on the remainder of the Gleaner site on Monday 12 February and will last until mid March. The works will include the safe removal and disposal of existing fuel tanks, pipes and gantry systems and remedial works to the existing hard standing areas.

“The Crinan Charette developed a shared vision for creating a sustainable future in Ardrishaig by transforming it into a fantastic tourist destination that benefits all those who live, work and do business in the area as well as celebrating the unique character of the area.

“Since then we have been working hard, along with our partners and the local community, to develop the plans and secure the funding which would see our big ambitions become a reality.

“Whilst we are still in the process of securing the final piece of funding required to deliver the maritime hub these initial works are a major step in bringing forward the former Gleaner site for development."

Chris Breslin, Head of Regeneration and Development at Scottish Canals

Another phase of work, funded by the Scottish Government, will follow in spring 2018.  This will upgrade Ardrishaig Pier to a more modern design that accommodates larger freight vessels.

Notes to Editors

  • Scottish Canals is responsible to the Scottish Government for the management and development of five Scottish canals as well as the surrounding estate and The Falkirk Wheel. See www.ScottishCanals.co.uk or follow @ScottishCanals for more information
  • The Forth & Clyde, Union and Monkland canals in the Lowlands, the Crinan Canal in Argyll and the Caledonian Canal in the Highlands, together extend over 137 miles from coast to coast, across country and into the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness
  • Built two hundred years ago to fire the Industrial Revolution, today the canals contribute to the Scottish Government agenda of developing a Greener; Healthier; Smarter; Safer and Stronger; and Wealthier and Fairer Scotland by acting as a catalyst for sustainable economic development, regeneration and tourism; contributing to education, biodiversity, heritage and promoting active living and healthier lifestyles
  • Today Scottish Canals is utilising these 18th century assets along with innovative technology to tackle modern problems. Through working with partners to create pioneering systems, Scottish Canals is helping to combat flooding and driving positive transformation in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas
  • The Forth & Clyde, Union, Monkland, Caledonian and Crinan canals are recognised as Scheduled Monuments and attract 22million visits per year. See www.scottishcanals.co.uk for more information

For further information, please contact:

Chris McDonald at Scottish Canals, on 07917 217 608 or email Chris.McDonald@scottishcanals.co.uk

Nicola Sturgeon at Scottish Canals on 07767 383 557 or email Nicola.Sturgeon@scottishcanals.co.uk

Share this Story