Historical interest
Library, Museum and Linda MaCartney’s Memorial Garden, Hall Street
The initiative to establish a library and museum came in 1896 from the Kintyre Scientific Association, known today as the Kintyre Antiquarian and Natural History Society. It was the generous response from Mr James Macalister Hall, a wealthy retired businessman, which turned the dream into reality. The well known Glasgow architect Sir John James Burnet designed the building in 1899. On the corner of the L-shaped building facing Hall Street, is a carved masonry cartouche of the town’s coat of arms and on the façade of the library a pleasing frieze of sculptured figures illustrating the trades of the town.
At present, much effort is going into raising funds for the conservation of the listed building. The library will be relocated to the new Aqualibrium Community Centre in 2006, which is also to house a swimming pool, fitness centre, yachtsman changing room, crèche and a café. Plans are being developed for a new use for the listed building. For opening times go here.
Sprinbank Distillery, Well Close
For most of the 17th and 18th century, Campbeltown was a prominent smuggling centre. Following the Excise Act of 1823 taxes were reduced to such an extent that legal distilling became competitive against smuggling.
Distillers hastily began applying for licences and Campbeltown saw a total of 34 distilleries established during the 19th century. It became known as the Whisky Capital of the World. The levels of production were so high and it was inevitable that changes during the early part of the 20th would have a detrimental effect on the Campbeltown whisky trade.
Springbank distillery was officially established in 1828 on the previous illicit site of Archibald Mitchell, great-great grandfather of the present Chairman, Mr. Hedley Wright.
Some Campbeltown distillers became complacent, putting the emphasis on quantity, not quality, which led to the production of inferior spirit. This, coupled with post-war economic depression and prohibition in the United States, took its toll and by 1930 only three distilleries survived. Rieclachan closed in 1934, leaving only Springbank and Glen Scotia.
For information on distillery tours go here.
