Progressing forward with the preferred design
Argyll and Bute Council have appointed Cameron and Ross as consultants to progress the designs for the improved active travel link between Lochgilphead Front Green and the Crinan Canal.
A detailed design (design stage 3) will be prepared in consultation with Argyll and Bute Council, Transport Scotland, Scottish Canals, the local community and other key stakeholders.
A public consultation on the developed design will be held in early 2025.
This work is being fully funded through Transport Scotland’s Local Authority Direct Award scheme. This funding scheme was formerly known as Cycling Walking Safer Streets and can only be used for active travel projects.
Background
A safe and continuous walking and cycling route linking Lochgilphead and Ardrishaig was identified in the 2016 ‘Rethink the Link’ Charrette as a means to encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.
An improved active travel link between Lochgilphead and the Crinan Canal was also recognised as an important way help promote the presence of the Crinan Canal and the NCN 78 Caledonia Way.
A concept design for a route between Lochgilphead and the Crinan Canal was produced in 2020. However in 2021 an updated version of Cycling by Design was published and the original concept design was deemed unsuitable to pursue in light of the new design guidance.
A new concept design for the route was produced in 2023. Detailed information on how the preferred route option was identified is provided in the Options Appraisal Report.
Information on previous public consultation and engagement on the project can be found in the following reports:
- Lochgilphead Front Green to Crinan Canal Public Consultation Report 1
- Lochgilphead Front Green to Crinan Canal Public Consultation Report 2
(these documents may not be fully accessible for anyone using assistive technologies such as screen readers. If you need this information in another format, please contact Douglas Grierson using the contact details below)
The design stages 0 - 2 of this project were fully funded through the Transport Scotland Places for Everyone Programme. This is an external challenge fund administered by Sustrans that is dedicated for active travel projects. However due to changes in active travel funding in 2024 it was not possible to fund design stage 3 of this project through the Places for Everyone programme.
Contact details
Douglas Grierson
Sustainable Transport Coordinator
Argyll and Bute Council
Whitegates Office
Lochgilphead
douglas.grierson@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Phone: 01546 604228
Mobile: 07585 884928
If you require any further information, please contact Douglas Grierson