Telling Girvan's Story - project update

The local community is at the centre of plans to develop the Girvan's Story project over the next 12 months.

A series of consultation events is planned, and a project team is being recruited to work with local people.

Following an award of £170,000 to the Girvan's Story Project last year by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland, South Ayrshire Council and partners have been working on a plan to make the most of what Girvan has to offer.

The funding is being used to develop a more detailed bid for the Girvan's Story Project which aims to improve several of Girvan's landmark buildings, as well as revamping the heritage shorefront.

If additional funding is secured, around £5m would be spent on the project over five years. Other initiatives would include the setting up of a small grants scheme to support owners with the cost of shopfront improvements and building repairs.

Traditional skills training would also take place and there would be a heritage activities programme to raise awareness of Girvan's rich history.

Councillor Bob Pollock, Economic Development Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "We want to make Girvan an even better place to live work and visit and the initial funding is helping us develop a plan to do exactly that. As well as protecting important buildings, we want to help businesses and pass on vital skills to the next generation."

Councillor Alec Clark, Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder said: "Over the next year we will be holding a series of events to find out what people think of our plans to improve Girvan. We need to make sure that proposals reflect the opinions of residents and businesses to maximise the benefits. Ultimately, we want to make the most of Girvan's assets for locals and for visitors."

Susan O'Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, said: "Heritage sits at the heart of our communities, helping connect people and places. It's exciting to see plans come together as part of our Heritage and Place Programme development funding, and show how the heritage shorefront and landmark buildings, local businesses and skills provision all have a part to play in Girvan's future."

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: "Heritage sits at the heart of a place's identity, adding depth, character and value. It helps connect people and communities to a place and boosts local economic prosperity.

"Our support for the Girvan Story project aims to help drive heritage and community focused regeneration. During this development phase of the project local people will have the opportunity to get involved and to shape this investment in their town."  

The development funding will also be used to appoint a Project Officer and Heritage Consultants including a Conservation Accredited Architect to work with the community to develop the scheme over the next 12 months. 

For more information on the project visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/girvans-story.