Ardrishaig
| |
|---|---|
 Chalmers Street, the high street through the village | |
  Ardrishaig Location withinArgyll and Bute | |
| Population | 1,220 (2022)[1] |
| OS grid reference | NR 85030 85148 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LOCHGILPHEAD |
| Postcode district | PA30 |
| Dialling code | 01546 |
| UK Parliament | |
| Scottish Parliament | |
| 56°00′39″N5°27′00″W / 56.010917°N 5.4500420°W /56.010917; -5.4500420 | |
Ardrishaig/ɑːrˈdrɪʃɪɡ/ ⓘ (Scottish Gaelic:Àird Driseig) is a coastal village onLoch Gilp, at the southern (eastern) entrance to theCrinan Canal inArgyll and Bute in the west ofScotland. It lies immediately to the south ofLochgilphead, with the nearest larger town beingOban.[2]
Àird Driseig orRubha Àird Driseig, theScottish Gaelic versions of the name, mean "height of the small bramble" or "promontory of the small bramble".[3]
Ardrishaig harbour's first pier was built in 1873.[4]
In the 1970s, the village was significantly altered when a row of old houses and shops on the lochside of the main street was demolished to make way for a car park. Most trading now takes place in the neighbouring townLochgilphead.
The village was a filming location for the television seriesA Mug's Game.
Ardrishaig historically fell within theSouth Knapdale parish,[5] and is now served by ArdrishaigCommunity Council.[6][7] It has been administered since 1996 byArgyll and Bute Council, falling within the Mid Argyll ward, which is represented by three councillors.[8][9][10] TheScottish Parliament constituency isArgyll and Bute,[11] which is represented byMichael Russell.[12] TheUK Parliament constituency isArgyll and Bute, which is represented byBrendan O'Hara.[13]
Ardrishaig lies on the side of a hill (the Cruach nam Bonnach face of Cruach Breacain) bordering the west side ofLoch Gilp, just north of where it joinsLoch Fyne. The linear settlement stretches southwards along theA83 (Chalmers Street) from around 0.6 kilometres (0.4 miles) south of the junction with theA816, on the southwest side ofLochgilphead. TheCrinan Canal runs north–south through Ardrishaig, withlocks and a basin at its southern terminus.[14]
Ardrishaig Community Council is part-owner of thewind farm at Allt Dearg on the hill aboveInverneill to the south of the town.[15][16]
Ardrishaig had 1,283 inhabitants in 2001.[17]
There are twopiers, alighthouse,slipway andbreakwater along the seafront.[14]Scottish Canals has an office by the canal basin.[4] To the north side of the old pier is theCrinan Canal sea lock and to the south are pontoons and anchorage for boats. About 30,000 tonnes of timber pass through the harbour annually but it has the capacity for 150,000 tonnes.[4]
Facilities in the village include a hotel,public houses, a church, school, post office[14] and antiques shops. There are two public telephone boxes and a public lavatory.[14]
Ardrishaig Primary School is located in the village, and serves the area between Erins and Millers Bridge. The present building dates from 1986.[18] For secondary education, the village falls within the catchment area of Lochgilphead Joint Campus.[19][20]
John Smith, formerLabourMP andLeader of the Opposition, was born in Ardrishaig.[21]
James Chalmers, pioneering missionary, was born and lived in Ardrishaig until he was seven years old.[22]
Sir St Clair Thomson, Surgeon educated at the village school at Ardrishaig until he was ten years old.
