About Us2025-03-27T13:12:33+00:00

About AKCH

Avich and Kilchrenan Community Heritables is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community through local development and heritage initiatives.

Our mission is to protect and develop both historical and natural landmarks, ensuring they remain vibrant and beneficial for everyone in Dalavich, Inverinan and Kilchrenan.

By restoring our cherished rural churches, we aim to create spaces that serve as cultural and social hubs, fostering a strong sense of community and preserving our rich heritage for future generations.

We believe that our historical and natural treasures hold the power to inspire and unite us.

Together, we can ensure that these important sites continue to thrive, offering inspiration and service to current and future generations, and making our area an even better place to live, work, and visit.

More Info

Dalavich and Kilchrenan kirks have played a vital role in the community for hundreds of years.

The current kirks were built in the 18th century, on the sites of much earlier churches. Both churches have historically interesting burial stones, from Early Mediaeval cross incised stabs in Dalavich to clan Campbell graves in Kilchrenan.

They have also been significant places for normal people, where they got married, children were christened and beloved family members are buried.

We believe that our historical and natural treasures hold the power to inspire and unite us.

Together, we can ensure that these important sites continue to thrive, offering inspiration and service to current and future generations, and making our area an even better place to live, work, and visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the kirks still be used for religious services?2024-07-19T07:33:12+00:00

Yes, the kirks will be available for multi-faith worship, weddings, christenings, funerals and other important services.

What will happen to the graveyards?2024-07-19T07:34:02+00:00

The graveyards are owned by Argyll & Bute council and there will be no change.

How can AKCH afford to maintain the kirks?2024-07-26T08:42:25+00:00

To cover maintenance costs, it is vital that the kirks are used by more people, more often and hence generate enough income to cover maintenance.

How do AKCH make sure any new services don’t compete with what we already have in the area?2025-01-29T14:11:50+00:00

AKCH want to enhance our area hence it is vital that we do not compete with existing facilities. As such, it is a key criteria that all of our development opportunities complement existing services. Additionally, addressing a vital community need, and not competing with existing facilities, is a key criteria for all public funding.

How will AKCH keep the community involved in deciding the future?2024-07-19T07:39:58+00:00

We will do this in 3 ways:

Regular drop-in engagement session on key topics – first sessions April’24.

Quarterly Update Letters – first edition published June’24, distributed door to door, via email and Facebook.

Website Latest News – Board Meeting Minutes, Community Events, Funding Support Outcomes will all be posted.

Avich & Kilchrenan Community Heritables

Board

Meet the dedicated individuals behind our charity organization. Between them, they bring to AKCH a good understanding of the local area and community, an interest in what it needs and how it works, plus a commitment to its future development and well being.

Chris Goldsmith

Chairman

Chris is a property developer with over 35 years of experience in planning, strategy, and stakeholder collaboration. He has served on the boards of arts and medical research charities and is passionate about protecting Scotland’s rural landscapes. His leadership ensures the Trust delivers impactful projects while preserving the region’s heritage.

Carol Thomas

Secretary

With 50 years in voluntary service and governance, Carol is a seasoned business consultant specialising in Supply Chain and Enterprise Resource Planning. She played a key role in developing the River Avich Hydro Scheme, which now generates substantial community funding. With expertise in financial planning, risk management, and policy writing, Carol has been a charity trustee for over 35 years, bringing a deep understanding of governance and sustainability.

Brian Burnett

Treasurer

A finance and governance expert, Brian has 20 years of experience as an accountant and two decades in public service, including as Mayor of Louth. He has held executive roles in finance, planning, and housing associations, assessing financial viability for major projects. As Treasurer, he applies his expertise in financial planning and risk management to ensure the sustainability of community-led initiatives.

Oscar Pearce

Youth Rep

Oscar brings fresh perspective and creative passion to the AKCH board. A talented musician and Chair of The Loch Awe Voices, he champions the role of performing arts and youth in shaping the future of Avich & Kilchrenan. Oscar is dedicated to making sure young people have a meaningful voice in local decision-making and are part of building a vibrant, inclusive community.

Ann Urwin

Board Member

Ann’s background spans healthcare, entrepreneurship, and charity leadership. A former dentist and business owner, she has chaired multiple organizations and managed community assets. With expertise in governance and operational efficiency, she provides valuable insight into long-term planning and sustainable community initiatives.

Rhona Knox

Board Member

Rhona is an experienced leader in innovative project management and strategy, having held senior roles in a multinational corporation. She excels in bringing people together, driving large-scale initiatives, and is keen to unlock the potential of the area’s natural and historic assets. Her ability to engage stakeholders ensures the Trust’s vision is effectively implemented.

Sheila Clark

Board Member

Sheila is a field archaeologist with over 30 years’ experience in surveying, heritage conservation, and land management. Specializing in prehistoric rock carvings and Early Medieval sites, she has worked closely with forestry and landowners to protect archaeological heritage. She brings valuable insight into balancing conservation with sustainable land use in the community.

Tina Goldsmith

Board Member

Tina is an entrepreneur with 20 years of experience building a global children’s product brand. Passionate about community engagement, she has been a Guide and Scout leader and serves as a trustee for a children’s charity. She is committed to enhancing Loch Awe as a great place to live, work, and visit.

Peter Gray

Board Member

Peter brings strategic leadership and marketing expertise from his career in R&D at a multinational corporation. With skills in data-driven decision-making, budgeting, and management, he ensures that community projects are both visionary and financially sustainable. He is dedicated to supporting the long-term economic and social development of the area.

Chris Pollard

Board Member

Chris’s career spans marine engineering, navigation, and business. A former boatbuilder, ship manager, and university leader in marine science, he has also run a boatyard, a marine geotech firm, and a wine import business. Now working for the Scottish Government, he brings a hands-on, entrepreneurial perspective to the board.

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