SEVEN budding entrepreneurs from the South Carrick area have been selected to join the first group of What if...Girvan in a bid to make a positive change.

This scheme is a social enterprise programme looking to help people who live or work in this area of South Ayrshire to set up social enterprises make the most of the area’s assets.

The successful ideas include a large outdoor event and farmer’s market, the production of local cider and liqueurs, an apple festival, a coffee roasting facility and creative workshops for under 18’s.

What if...Girvan, delivered by start up social enterprise agency Firstport, put out a call to action in the summer of 2016, inviting people who live and work in South Carrick to come up with ideas that could benefit the local area by recognising, celebrating and utilising existing assets: their natural surroundings, local spaces and the resilience of local people.

Chelsea Rodger, one of the successful applicants, said: “I grew up in Girvan and I want to improve the town’s connectivity and bring people together through creativity.

"Girvan deserves to regenerate, bring passing trade through the town and have plenty of choice of activities for both tourists and residents. I am very passionate about doing my part for the town and delighted to have been selected onto the programme."

The seven successful individuals will now receive business support, expert mentoring and peer support to get their ideas off the ground. They will also be able to apply for seed funding, provided by the William Grant Foundation.

Nick Addington, Chief Executive of the William Grant Foundation, said: "We’re excited that our Foundation will now be backing these seven entrepreneurs to pursue their own locally inspired ideas."

It is hoped these enterprises will help tackle some of the challenges of the area: population migration, lack of employment opportunities, connectivity, and will bring the community closer together, as well as attracting tourism back into the area.