Restoration work is scheduled to commence next week on Tigh Mhicleoid in Colchester Square, Lochgilphead, marking the final priority building to benefit from the town's ambitious Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

This £2.3 million heritage-led project, jointly funded by Argyll and Bute Council and Historic Environment Scotland (HES), along with contributions from building owners, has been instrumental in breathing new life into Lochgilphead's historic properties.

The Lochgilphead CARS initiative has not only focused on physical restoration but also on fostering traditional skills and engaging the local community. Tigh Mhicleoid is the sixth and final priority building in the scheme, following successful transformations at 1 Argyll Street, 3-17 Colchester Square, 2-4 Argyll Street, 6-10 Argyll Street, and 15-19 Argyll Street.

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In addition to these major building restorations, the project has overseen the completion of three significant shopfront improvement projects and numerous Small Repair Grant projects, some of which received funding from the Scottish Government's Place Based Investment Programme. These combined efforts have notably enhanced the visual appeal of Lochgilphead town centre. The CARS programme has also facilitated several hands-on traditional skills training and educational events, contributing to the long-term preservation of the town's heritage.

Council Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, expressed his anticipation for the upcoming work: "The Lochgilphead CARS project has helped to transform the town centre and preserve and restore some of its most historic properties for generations to come. I look forward to watching the restoration at Tigh Mhicleoid and seeing it being transformed to its former glory."

The start of work on Tigh Mhicleoid signifies a major milestone for the Lochgilphead CARS, completing its planned restoration works and leaving a lasting legacy for the town's built heritage.