About Craignish Restoration Of Marine And Coastal Habitats

In early 2016, in response to local concern about the decline in biodiversity, scallop dredging in the loch, expanding aquaculture, poor water quality and lack of community consultation on coastal management and protection, members of the Craignish community formed a voluntary association called Craignish Restoration of Marine and Coastal Habitats (CROMACH, which means a walking stick or shepherd’s crook in Gaelic). 

CROMACH's aims are to promote

● Sustainability: To encourage and promote sustainable use of local waters for recreation, fishing and other marine activities. 

● Knowledge: To promote and carry out research, surveys and investigations of the local marine environment. 

● Engagement: To involve the community, to raise awareness of marine issues and related cultural heritage 

● Education: To educate and involve all members of the community, young and old 

● Conservation: To protect and allow recovery of biodiversity and natural processes in Loch Craignish, the Sound of Jura and the Firth of Lorn, the seas of Scotland and the wider marine environment.

If you want to know more or join CROMACH email info@cromach.org 

UPDATE

Winter and Spring 2026

CROMACH Speaker Series

We are running a series of events with local and Scottish speakers to engage and inform with audiences about local and wider coastal and marine issues.

After a really successful first outreach event at the village hall with legendary film maker John Aitchison we received funding from Argyll and Bute Supporting Communities Fund to run 4 more. See more more on our what we do page

This Sunday 19th April: an inspiring story of community action and ocean recovery.

CROMACH are delighted to welcome environmentalist, activist and Goldman Environmental Prize winner Howard Wood (OBE) to the final talk in our current Speaker Series.

From co-founding Arran Coast to helping establish Scotland’s first No-Take Zone in Lamlash Bay, his work is a remarkable example of grassroots marine conservation in action—giving local citizens a voice and helping communities shape the future of their marine environment.

He’ll also share an exclusive preview of the Emmy-nominated Hope in the Water, featuring the story of COAST and exploring the importance of sustainable seafood.

 The final talk in this series — one not to miss.

 Sunday 19 April | 2:00pm

 Craignish Village Hall, Ardfern

 Free talk | CROMACH Speaker Series

#CROMACH #MarineConservation #OceanBiodiversity #SustainableSeafood #CommunityAction #EnvironmentalActivism #HopeInTheWater #abplace2b

CROMACH  welcomed back BAFTA-winning wildlife filmmaker John Aitchison following his hugely popular talk last November. Over a long career filming the natural world — often working alongside Sir David Attenborough — John has helped bring extraordinary wildlife stories to audiences around the globe, capturing both the beauty and fragility of our natural environment.

In this new talk, John explores what drives wildlife filmmakers and what they hope to achieve. Drawing on decades of experience behind the camera, he will share insights into how storytelling, beauty and emotion can inspire people to care more deeply about nature — and how powerful wildlife films can help move hearts, minds and ultimately create change.

Sunday 29th March | 2:30pm

Craignish Village Hall
Free event
CROMACH speaker series

#CROMACH #MarineConservation #WildlifeFilm #NatureMatters #Argyll #OceanConservation #WildlifeStorytelling #abplace2b