A village hall in Argyll has opened its doors for the first time in 12 months after being given a new lease of life following a £640,000 refurbishment programme.

Tarbert Village Hall was in danger of closing because of its poor condition but thanks to the hard work of the hall management committee which secured significant grant funding, the hall has now re-opened to provide a modern, high quality venue.

One of the many new facilities is a purpose-built youth centre made possible with funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Kerrie Redington, HIE's development manager for Argyll and the Islands, said: "HIE has been working with Tarbert Village Hall on this project for several years and was delighted to fund it under our old model of operation.

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"Now the building is complete it gives the community in Tarbert the chance to develop a truly community-owned asset which, because it will clearly attract a large number of users, gives it a solid income. This makes it a viable, self-sustaining community asset."

Douglas Robertson, one of Tarbert Village Hall's Trustees said: "For many years youngsters in Tarbert have tried to get their own building and it's very good news that, thanks to this funding from HIE, they have secured a permanent home."

Tarbert was in danger of losing its hall. A feasibility report by consulting engineers Martin Stewart found the hall, which is hugely popular with local people, might have to close due to its poor condition unless remedial work was carried out.

The hall committee made great strides in securing significant grant funding from a large number of organisations. There was strong support too from the local community which raised a large amount of money for the project which has taken eight years to complete.

The hall was originally built in 1902 as a drill hall and library. While structurally sound, much of the building, including the roof, walls, floors, heating and many external features, needed replacing or upgrading if it was to continue to be used.

Tarbert like many small communities across the Highlands and Islands relies on its hall as a vital community resource and is used for a wide range of meetings, arts and music events, private functions and indoor sports.

(GK/JM)