Today's story from the Advertiser archives takes us back 10 years to the news that Arrochar had won the Scottish Village of the Year prize – and plans for a £3,000 party to celebrate.

Here's how we covered the story in the Advertiser on September 3, 2009...

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ARROCHAR and Tarbet this week clinched the prestigious title of Scottish Village of the Year.

Beating off stiff competition from the Isle of Eigg and Forth in Stirlingshire, the lochside community scooped the first prize of £7,000 for community investment, added to the £2,500 they have already accumulated thanks to their achievements.

The competition, sponsored by Calor, was a hotly contested one, but the judges were so impressed by the presentation that they awarded them with the accolade.

A £3,000 celebratory bash for the community will be hosted next month, by Calor.

READ MORE: From the Archives: Arrochar men bared (almost) all for charity in 2004

Judges were particularly impressed by the “outstanding” regeneration of Arrochar Parish Church.

Frank Gunning, president of The Association of Scottish Community Councils and a panel judge said that Arrochar and Tarbet truly showed the determination and community spirit required to make the best out of rural living.

“The community had once been a thriving hub for the ministry of Defence’s torpedo range on Loch Long, but some parts had since started to slip into poor condition.

“Recognising the need to rejuvenate the scenic village , Arrochar and Tarbet worked incredibly hard to fundraise and regenerate the community into a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together and work towards a common good.”

The judges, Norette Ferns, Bob Kerr and Frank Gunning, commented that the standard of entries was particularly high this year, with the decision between the three regional winners a particularly tough one.

Communities were judged on four categories this year; people, business, sustainability and communication.

READ MORE: In Pictures: Arrochar's new pontoon is officially opened

Frank commented on the final decision: “The judges had a really tough decision to make as all three communities made good cases for winning. In the end, it was felt that Arrochar and Tarbet had the leading edge over the other two.

“The regeneration of Arrochar Parish Church is outstanding.

“Having seen a community come together, fundraise and give up time and skills to create one of the most beautiful churches in Scotland is just brilliant.”