17 March 2006

As reported earlier in March on this site, the final report from Small Town and Rural Development Group was due and has now been launched and it is hoped that as many as possible will have a chance to read it in some format or other. There are limited hard copies available but there will be one in the Lismore shop, one at the Comann Eachdraidh and one available to the Community Council. There will also be CDs in due course. This is just the beginning and a steering group will take the ideas and hopefully make them happen over the next few years. We now have a thorough and practical approach to putting the area on the map so that those who like what Appin and Lismore offer will get to know about us. The consultation was sensitive to the residents' views and there is no attempt to exploit or radically change the ambience of the area which is its great attraction. And the two communities working together will greatly strengthen the chances of making things happen. What follows is their summary of the report.

EXPLORE APPIN AND LISMORE

Summary of the Heritage Interpretation

and Visitor Management Strategy

Background

A local steering group consisting of the Lismore Historical Society, Appin Historical Society, Appin Community Co-op, Lismore Community Council and Appin Community Council commissioned this work to help identify a range of projects that would make most of our rich local heritage and provide benefits for the social and economic wellbeing of our communities. 

Community Views

The strategy has been informed by extensive consultation which included household surveys, stakeholder meetings, workshops and a sample survey of B&Bs and Hotels.

Respecting our special qualities

The consultation highlighted the importance of preserving and building on the special qualities of the area.  These were thought to include:

·       The unspoilt, beautiful and peaceful nature of the place

·       The Coast, cliffs and forests

·       Flora and Fauna

·       The nature of the community and its links to the land

·       Culture and heritage

Themes for interpretation

Themes for interpretation were identified which make the most of these qualities.  They are:

• The landscape here has been shaped by the interaction of limestone, volcanic rock, ice and salt water. 
• Lismore and Appin was a thriving centre for trade and religious power when travel by boat was the main form of transport.
• Communities here were riven by clan feuds in the 17^th and 18^th centuries.
• This is a place with a rich Gaelic heritage, and a strong sense of community identity.

Strategy and main priorities 

The strategy has identified – through the community consultation – five main areas to focus on and a number of related priority projects and actions.

• Integrated and coordinated interpretation
• Developing outdoor access – walking, cycling and marine activities
• Integrated and appropriate public transport
• Hospitality, activities and events
• Improvements to roads traffic and parking

Priorities are listed in full in the report under each of these topic headings.  They include recommendations for:

·       A joint Appin and Lismore visitor guide and web site

·       Orientation panels at the ferry terminals at Achnacroish, Point, and Port Appin, and in Appin and some limited on site interpretation at key locations

·       Improved parking and road signage within the area

·       the establishment of a paths action group to develop walking and cycling in the area

• A number of priority paths and access initiatives
• Further investigation of marine access – slips and harbours
• Additional activities and events linked to the natural and built heritage
• improving public transport on Lismore and between Port Appin and Oban

Links to local economic development

The study identifies a number of opportunities for income generation, business diversification, and part time jobs that are linked to making most of our natural and built heritage.   Suggestions made included opportunities for: 

·       further accommodation on Lismore

·       developing public transport on Lismore

·       farmers to develop paths and access initiatives through Land Management Contracts and Menu Schemes

·       organising and marketing Soft Cycling and Walking in the area

·       developing outdoor activities for visitors e.g. trout fishing and rowing on lochs; Guided fishing trips; boat trips; sailing and canoeing regatta; diving  

·       promoting and organising educational tourism linked to the National Scenic Area and activities and events linked to our cultural heritage.

Making it Happen – how to find out more and get involved

The steering group for the strategy is now going to work to develop these proposals in association with Scottish Natural Heritage (who funded the study) and a range of other agency partners.   If you would like to join in or have a particular interest in some of these proposals please contact: Tony Perkins