Councillor Walsh was impressed with the work that had been done and the plans for the centre. He said, “It is heartening to find such a positive attitude to the future and the energy and enthusiasm of the staff, volunteers and trustees is a credit to them all.

“Auchindrain is a national treasure, the last farming township of its kind in Scotland, and it seems fitting that it is situated in Argyll, the birthplace of Scotland. Whilst the council is not currently in a position to find additional funding for the project, we continue to support Auchindrain through its three way partnership arrangement with the Kilmartin House and Campbeltown Museums.”

He continued, “It is important to the whole of Argyll that visitors to the area enjoy a warm welcome and a good experience wherever they go, and the facilities offered by the new visitor centre will go a long way towards achieving that at Auchindrain.”

Thanks largely to a grant of £45,900 from the Argyll and the Islands LEADER Programme, work on the centre is taking place over the winter months to upgrade the kitchen and café areas. Alongside the café, the visitor centre will also boast a brand new shopping and display area, whilst further funds will be invested in vital maintenance work on the roof, flooring and electrics.

Mike Masters, trustee and chair of Friends of Auchindrain said, “It is important to us that people like Councillor Walsh are supportive of the project and the plans to upgrade and improve the site for visitors. I hope that he will be a regular customer, dropping in for a cup of tea and a snack when we open our doors again in April.”

Although the visitor centre is closed, Auchindrain Township is open to visitors throughout the winter months Monday-Friday 10.00 to 16.00. Admission is free.