The Dalriada Project was established in 2006 following a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project is a Landscape Partnership Scheme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and a range of other partners including Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll and the Islands LEADER and Argyll and the Islands Enterprise. The project area covers 296km2 of Mid Argyll that includes, North Knapdale, Kilmartin Glen as far north as Carnassarie Castle, the Crinan Canal Corridor and Kilmichael Glassary. Since we were established, we have been involved in a wide range of project activity to enhance the natural and cultural heritage and promote the enjoyment of the Dalriada area. We have funding for up to £3.1 million and there are 10 projects in all. We are due to complete our work in 2010. Our Vision“Enhancing people’s access and understanding of the outstanding natural and cultural heritage of mid Argyll through a unique network of routes, sites and interpretation points”. Who We AreThe Dalriada Project Company oversees the work of the project and meets regularly to provide direction and discuss project progress. The Company has seven directors: Karen Moore, The Waterways Trust Scotland (Chair) Nick Purdy, Forestry Commission Scotland Sharon Webb, Kilmartin House Museum Angus Laing, Scottish Natural Heritage Donnie Macmillan, Argyll and Bute Council Dave Clarkson, British Waterways Scotland Ron Bowe, local representative
The company also has a number of members and we are keen to widen this. If you are interested in becoming a member please contact us for more details and how to apply. The Project also has a small staff team, based in the centre of the project area at Cairnbaan, that co-ordinate and deliver the project work. The Team is: Tracey Peedle – Project Manager Will Self – Project Officer Olwen Hemmings– Finance Officer Peter Creech – Communications Officer
If you would like to find out more about the project please contact us. What We DoThe Dalriada Project co-ordinates and delivers 10 projects to enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area and promote the enjoyment of our outstanding heritage assets. These projects are interrelated and are grouped under three programmes. They have delivered significant benefits at a landscape scale which will provide a lasting legacy of the Dalriada Project. The following provides a general summary. The Natural Heritage and Landscapes Programme Encompasses four projects (click on each project for more details): These projects have been particularly successful not only in providing biodiversity benefits for particular habitats and species but also in engaging volunteers to help us monitor changes. We also run a number of events to raise public awareness of the value of these natural heritage assets and our conservation work. We have successfully drawn in match funding from the Tubney Trust and Esmee Fairbairn Foundation to fund some of these projects. The Near to Nature Trail is approaching completion and will result in an innovative and exciting approach to woodland access. The Built and Cultural Heritage Programme Has also had significant successes over the last two years (click on each project for more details):
The archaeological work has produced significant finds and helped in our understanding of this important aspect of our heritage, so much so that in the final year we hope to run an exhibition at Kilmartin House Museum. We now also have a team of trained and highly motivated volunteers who have carried out excavations and surveys, and this is likely to continue as a legacy of the Dalriada Project. 
There are some exciting outputs from the Community History project including some innovative work from the schools programme such a stained glass window in a prominent public building, soon to be installed. By conducting interviews for an oral history archive. Volunteers have helped us create an oral history archive by conducting interviews with local residents.
The Consolidation of Key Features project has undertaken some consolidation work to safeguard archaeological remains throughout the area such as the abandoned settlement at Kilmory Oib.
The Enjoying the Landscape Programme Consists of three projects (click on each project for more details): It is this programme that draws all our work together by promoting access to and understanding of our heritage assets. The Heritage Access Network will create and promote a network of footpaths to access some of our best heritage sites. The Interpretation and Information Project has developed innovative audio visual material (click here to download) including a series of podcast guides to walks. New information panels and leaflets will be produced over the coming year. A Marketing and Training Plan is also proposed to promote the area and its heritage assets beyond the life of the project. 
What’s happening in 2009/10This is the final year of the project and we will be continuing with our work relating to the natural and cultural heritage. It is proposed to hold an exhibition of finds at Kilmartin House Museum. There will be a strong focus this year on completing the heritage access network and providing new interpretation and information ready for the summer season 2010. Work is already underway on these and news and progress will be published regularly on this site. Project NewsClick here to find out what's been happening this year. How to get InvolvedWe wouldn’t have been nearly so successful if we had not had the help and support of volunteers, and we thank everyone who has participated. More volunteers are always welcome, so if you would like to volunteer for biodiversity monitoring, archaeological work or helping with events, then please contact us. 
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