Hermitage Park had seen a decline since its heyday when tourists streamed off the steamship to relax and play in its cultivated gardens. Working in partnership, local people and organisations combined to find a way to reverse the decline – aiming to GROW OUR PARK TOGETHER. The community aspirations and vision was expressed and guided by the Friends of Hermitage Park, after which Argyll and Bute Council worked with them and others to identify funding sources.
As a result, the Hermitage Park project was awarded £3.7M funding from various funders to carry out plans to regenerate the only urban park in Argyll & Bute, allowing the park to transform into a lively centre for recreation, relaxation and learning and once again offer residents and visitors a valued green space.
A new pavilion has been built and historic features such as the A-listed war memorial, Japanese garden and wishing well have been restored. The children’s play area has been moved and upgraded. The park’s heritage, which includes the remains of Millings Mill which led to the founding of the town, will be celebrated with activities and events. Guided walks, storytelling, heritage trails and a demonstration garden will also encourage more visitors through the gates.
VISION FOR THE PARK
“To Grow our park together”
…return Hermitage Park to a central role in the Helensburgh community as a place to relax, exercise, meet and visit by restoring its most attractive and valuable areas of heritage importance and adapting its facilities to the requirements of the 21st century.
"To conserve, repair and interpret"
An extensive programme of capital works has ensured that key historic features are preserved for posterity, such as the ‘A’ listed War Memorial Garden, the Hermit’s Well, bridges over Milligs Burn and remains of Milligs Mill. Discreet people-centred interpretation helps bring the park’s heritage to life and ensure it is valued, cared for and enjoyed. Collaborative projects and activities help ensure that local people and organisations remain engaged in the Park, and continue to play a role in its future.
"To increase community involvement, use and benefit"
An extensive volunteer programme and activities to communicate and celebrate the park’s heritage is bringing people together to make the park a vibrant community asset and the area a better place to live, work, and visit. By ‘growing our park together’ the park will once again become a well-used community space in which people feel safe.
"To improve care and maintenance "
Funding for a dedicated Park Manager and Park Supervisor, supported by a well-trained volunteer team, helps to ensure that the park is better managed and the heritage remains accessible.
Better management of the plants and the landscape conserves the horticultural heritage and provides habitats for wildlife, and opportunities for learning more about taking care of the natural environment help people take positive lessons from the park into their own homes and gardens.
the green flag award
Hermitage Park in Helensburgh has again, been recognised as one of the best parks and greenspaces in Scotland. Keep Scotland Beautiful has awarded the Park Green Flag status, for the second consecutive year.
The Green Flag Award is the benchmark for excellence in green spaces and recognises the hard work of managers, staff and volunteers who help ensure that outdoor areas provide the public with a safe, clean and inspiring local environment.
The cleanliness and maintenance standards in the park impressed the judge. The standard of horticultural care was also noted and praised. Members of the public interviewed as part of the process were all positive about the park and its facilities.
