Arrochar and Tarbet came together to celebrate in style at the weekend to mark the official presentation of their title as Scottish Calor Village of the Year 2009.

With a host of VIPs in attendance to present a total jackpot prize of £9,500 for community investment, the day was a terrific success.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, Provost William Petrie for Argyll and Bute, Alistair Todd, Area Network Manager for Calor Scotland and Frank Gunning, President of the Association of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC), were amongst the VIP guests that were entertained by Inverary and District pipe band before heading up an official presentation to the community at Arrochar Parish Church.

Duncan MacLachlan, Chair of the Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust was presented with the cheque and commemorative plaque before kicking off the fun packed day of games, food and entertainment, hosted by Calor Gas Ltd.

This included a series of events for all ages, a barbecue to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Arrochar Parish Church re-opening, a fiddler's rally and a spectacular firework display beside Loch Long to complete the day.

-- Advertisement --

The community deservedly scooped the esteemed title, astounding judges with its vision for the future.

"Arrochar and Tarbet truly showed the determination and huge community spirit required to make the best out of rural living," said Frank Gunning, one of the judges and President of the ASCC. "The community had once been a thriving hub for the Ministry of Defence's torpedo range on Loch Long, but some parts had since started to slip into poor condition. Recognising the need to rejuvenate the scenic village, Arrochar and Tarbet worked incredibly hard to fundraise and regenerate the community into a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together and work towards a common good."

"The regeneration of Arrochar Parish Church is outstanding. Having seen a community come together, raise funds and give up time and skills to create one of the most beautiful churches in Scotland is just brilliant. By creating a village 'hub' through the development of a community hall and showing a vision for the future with redevelopment plans for Arrochar's pier, villagers are making strategic moves towards developing the community for the future," he continued.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, Richard Lochhead added: "Community spirit is an essential ingredient in the vibrancy of Scottish rural life. The energy and dynamism that exists in the village of Arrochar and Tarbet is rightly being celebrated and it was great to see for myself why it is such a worthy winner of this award.

"The Scottish Government is doing all it can to support the economic and social fabric of rural communities. By empowering them to make their own choices and decisions we can ensure they enjoy a bright future."

Organised by Calor Gas Ltd (Scotland), with support from the Association of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC) and The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisation's (SCVO) Rural Team, 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. Communities were judged on four categories this year; people, business, sustainability and communication.

(GK/BMcC)