A new hub of activity in Ardrishaig with a restaurant, gift shop, facilities for canal users and visitors to the area and information point for tourists. This new centre will have the lot and will transform this picturesque village into a key stop for people passing afloat or ashore, also encouraging more boats to use the canal.
The Yot Spot will be an attraction for visitors to Argyll. Based at pier square, Ardrishaig, the business will host a comfortable restaurant, a yacht chandlers and gift shop, toilets and showers, a laundry, a meeting room and the staff will be trained to help visitors to the area find their way about. Other marine services such as a boat brokerage and, depending on demand, boat management may also be added.
The “Saloon” will be a comfortable, child friendly and welcoming licenced restaurant and takeaway serving great food made with local produce, and will be available to book for functions.
The “Heads” will be brand new showers and a toilet at one end of the building available for use 24 hours by anyone going through the canal by using their key, but also open to all visitors at any time the Yot Spot is open.
The “Dobie” is our small self service laundry containing 2 large commercial washers and 2 commercial driers. Again access by canal key 24 hours, or open to all while the Yot Spot is open.
The “Stores” will be a yacht chandlers stocking a range of boating essentials along with a gift shop stocking local arts and crafts. Staff will also be on hand to welcome visitors to Ardrishaig and in particular to the Crinan Canal.
We created the business plan for The Yot Spot five years ago with the intention of transforming the former ferry terminal building in Ardrishaig into a centre for visitors to the village, whether by land or by sea. Various issues with planning and unexpected additional work required to make the building suitable for use have held the project up by years, but as we arrive in summer 2015 we are finally about to move into the building and transform it in a matter of weeks, with the opening planned for June/July.
Unfortunately due to the unexpected hold-ups, a significant portion of the finance raised in 2013 has already been paid back to the lenders, leaving a shortfall for fitting the building out. We are looking to crowdfund the difference in order to finish the building according to our original plan.
The Yot Spot will promote marine tourism in Scotland, and Argyll in particular as a tourist destination. The opening of the new venture will have a positive impact on other local businesses as we interact with the community through events and promotions. The Yot Spot will also be an outlet for local arts and crafts.
We will be sourcing locally for enthusiastic, friendly staff who can act as ambassadors for The Yot Spot, Ardrishaig, Crinan Canal and, indeed, Argyll. The business will depend on the traffic through the canal and so will do everything to promote marine tourism and increase the number of boats that come and use “Scotland’s finest shortcut”
Anyone pledging will become a member of our crowdfunder community, with exclusive invites to a number of events throughout the year, and their name on our wall of fame within the building. Other great gifts include branded mugs, marine polish, discount cards for the shop and restaurant and much more.
So please, if you would like to see Ardrishaig transform this summer to a hub of marine activity, if you are from Lochgilphead or Ardrishaig and you would like to have another place to eat out or somewhere to buy great gifts for special occasions, or even if you simply want to see more employment in Argyll and another reason for good people to stay and work in the area, then pledge and help to make it happen!