The Scottish town of Lochgilphead is the administrative centre of Argyll and Bute Council.
Situated at the head of Loch Gilp, an inlet of Loch Fyne, on the west coast of Scotland, Lochgilphead is about twenty miles southwest of Inveraray, fifty miles west of Glasgow, and ninety miles west of Edinburgh. Other nearby localities include Ardrishaig, Cairnbaan, and Kilmartin.
Although the town wasn't founded until the late 18th century, there is evidence of human occupation of the area around Lochgilphead since the Neolithic era. Neolithic cup and ring marks (a prehistoric art form) were found at Kilmartin Glen, which is nearby. The Dunadd Hillfort, the capital of the Gaelic Kingdom of Dál Riata, is in the immediate area and dates back to the Iron Age or Early Medieval period.
Lochgilphead was established as a planned settlement in 1790, shortly after the completion of a road from Inverarary to Campbeltown. The town's significance grew with the opening of the Crinan Canal in 1801, as it provided a shortcut across the Kintyre peninsula. By 1831, a pier was built, promoting maritime transit between Lochgilphead and Glasgow and access to other ports along the Irish Sea.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Lochgilphead continued to develop as a key staging post in the region. The town was chosen as the administrative headquarters of the Argyll and Bute District Council in 1975 due to its central location.
Its grid plan layout, wide streets, and various facilities, including a hospital, schools, and recreational areas, have made the town an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas.
Today, the town has a mixture of traditional and modern industries. Forestry and agriculture have long been an integral part of the economy, and they continue to be, although the town has seen growth in tourism, retail, and service industries. The Crinan Canal and its picturesque surroundings attract visitors interested in boating, fishing, and outdoor activities. Additionally, the town's strategic location and well-developed infrastructure support local businesses and provide employment opportunities for residents.
While Lochgilphead is a relatively small town, it has several facilities, such as swimming pools, a sports centre, a library, shopping options, a golf course, a bowling club, a motocross club, a hydrotherapy pool, and two hospitals. Daily bus services operated by West Coast Motors and Scottish Citylink connect the town to other parts of Scotland.
Built in 2007, a joint school campus incorporates Lochgilphead High School, Lochgilphead Primary School, and the White Gates Learning Centre. Argyll College has two campuses in Lochgilphead, one in Lorne Street, and a Construction Skill Centre in Kilmory Industrial Estate.
Businesses, industries, museums, libraries, places of worship, health facilities, entertainment venues, organisations, attractions, and events in Lochgilphead are appropriate resources for this category.
Recommended Resources
Located at Manse Brae, Lochgilphead, Argyll, Scotland, Dalriada Veterinary Surgery is a mixed veterinary practice providing a wide range of services for small and farm animals, including emergency care. The veterinary facility offers routine and emergency treatments for dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals, as well as cattle pregnancy scanning, health planning, general farm veterinary services, and comprehensive care for horses, ponies, and donkeys. Its team is introduced.
https://www.dalriadavets.com/
Dannys Ironmongers & Garden Centre
The family-run business in Lochgilphead, Scotland, carries do-it-yourself (DIY) products, cleaning supplies, housewares, pet food and supplies, compost, bark, plants, trees, and accessories. Opened Monday through Saturday, with reduced hours on Saturdays, the retail centre includes a walk-round garden centre and promises affordable prices. Items on sale are highlighted, and the address, telephone number, email address, and map showing its location are included.
https://www.dannyslochgilphead.com/
The holiday park is in the centre of Lochgilphead, adjacent to the scenic Crinan Canal. Offering holiday homes for hire and fully serviced hardstanding pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes. The holiday homes are centrally heated, double-glazed, and equipped with modern amenities. The park features new toilet and shower blocks, a self-service laundrette, and a dishwashing area, with accessible toilet and shower rooms. Photos, contacts, and online booking are available.
https://www.lochgilpheadcaravanpark.com/
St. Margaret's is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Argyll and the Isles, serving the communities of Lochgilphead, Inveraray, Tarbert, Jura, and Colonsay. Mass times and service schedules are published on the church's website, along with schedules of additional services. The parish council and parish priest are introduced, and galleries of photographs, videos, contact data, and links to other local Catholic resources. The history of the church building and congregation is told.
https://stmargaretslochgilphead.org/
Situated on the corner of Argyll Street and Lorne Street in the centre of Lochgilphead on the banks of Loch Gilp and Loch Fyne, the hotel's location provides easy access to several sights and attractions in the Mid Argyll region. Built in 1847, photos of the exterior, lounge, restaurant, bar, function area, and accommodations are provided, along with the hotel's address, telephone number, email address, and a map showing its location. Group activities and online bookings are featured.
http://www.staghotel.com/
