Auchindrain - News archives

5 August 2011 NEW TEAROOM OFFICIAL OPENING SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS The sweet smell of success was in the air on Friday (5 August) when Michael Russell MSP cut a ceremonial cake to mark the official opening of the Auchindrain Tearoom and refurbished Visitor Centre. "This is a hugely important day for Auchindrain," said Mr Russell, "and I am delighted to have been a part of it. "Auchindrain Township is a national treasure. It has a key role to play in the teaching of Scotland's history, as witnessed by the involvement of local schools and the number of visits made here by schools and youth organisations from all over the country. I am proud that the site is in Argyll and Bute and pleased that its importance has been recognised by the organisations funding this project. Their support has helped Auchindrain towards a more secure future as the Visitor Centre and Tearoom begin not only generate income but to make the whole Auchindrain experience more attractive to visitors." Mr Russell added, "I am aware of how important local community involvement is to Auchindrain, and I, for one, am looking forward to having a new place to stop off where I can be sure of a warm welcome, a good cup of tea and some delicious home baking." His Grace, the Duke of Argyll and Patron of the Auchindrain Trust said "My family has been involved with Auchindrain for a very long time, and we have seen some dramatic changes over the years. It has been an extremely rocky road at times, so it is wonderful to see what we have here today. "I am very involved with tourism in the area and it is good to have another quality tourist attraction here, as I know that people appreciate quality." Councillor Alison Hay, Convener of the Auchindrain Trust said, "This is a great day for Auchindrain, and I must thank all the members of staff, volunteers and supporters who have made it possible through their hard work and dedication. The Township has suffered many trials and tribulations, including near closure, over the past forty years, but today represents important step forward. "It gives me hope for the future." A prayer of dedication and a Gaelic house blessing were offered by Rev Roddy MacLeod. The work on the Visitor Centre has been carried out thanks largely to a grant of £45,900 from the Argyll and the Islands LEADER Programme. Other funders include Museums Galleries Scotland's Recognition Capital Fund, £21,000, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, £22,500 and Community Energy Scotland £15,075. 27th August 2011 Friends of Auchindrain AGM The Annual General Meeting in the newly refurbished visitor centre and tearoom was held on Saturday August 27th. After the meeting, there was a short presentation followed by a guided tour of the site led by Development Manager Bob Clark, who explained the “new story of Auchindrain” based on research and analysis undertaken over the last 9 months which has hugely increased and in many areas significantly changed our understanding of the history, evolution and significance of Auchindrain. We then returned to the tearoom for a hot supper, freshly prepared in the impressive new kitchen. Auchindrain certainly is a living township museum. Why not become a Friend or not paid your annual subscription yet? Don’t worry, just pay on-line 26 April 2011 NEW TEAROOM FOR AUCHINDRAIN The raising of the Saltire over the entrance to Auchindrain last Friday (22 April 2011) signalled the start of a new era at the historic Township. After months of planning, preparation and hard work, the newly refurbished Visitor Centre and Tearoom was finally able to open its doors to visitors. Auchindrain Trust Convener, Alison Hay, thanked those who had made it possible in a small but significant ceremony at the site. "This is a great day for Auchindrain, " she said, "and I must thank all the members of staff, volunteers and supporters who have made it possible through their hard work and dedication." She continued, "Auchindrain is really one of the jewels in the crown of Scotland's heritage sites, and I am proud that it is in Argyll. It has suffered many trials and tribulations, including near closure, over the past forty years, but today represents another step forward towards a secure future. The newly refurbished Visitor Centre and Tearoom will greatly enhance the visitor experience and will help to provide the vital income we need to keep developing." As reported previously in the local media, the opening of the Centre and Tearoom had been delayed due to a delay in connecting the mains water supply. But thanks to some extraordinary efforts by Scottish Water, the mains were connected in time to open for the Easter break. Mrs Hay spoke movingly of the origins of the Saltire as the old and tattered flag was lowered and folded, and the new one rose in its place, to the applause of onlookers. Then it was time to repair to the new Tearoom for an afternoon cream tea and a look at the new range of goodies in the retail area. The work on the Visitor Centre has been carried out thanks largely to a grant of £45,900 from the Argyll and the Islands LEADER Programme. Other funders include MGS Recognition Capital Fund £21,000, HIE £22,50 and Community Energy Scotland £15,075. Auchindrain is open to visitors 10.00 to 17.00, seven days a week

The New Tearoom and Visitor Centre was officially opened on Friday 5th August 2011 by Mike Russell MSP., Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning. You can watch the video of the opening here