A NEW venture for Girvan could see the town allocated funds between £100,000 and £1,000,000 if a bid to the Great Place Scheme is successful.

The Great Place Scheme funds projects in areas where there is a commitment to embed heritage in local plans and decision-making. 

By strengthening the networks between heritage, civic and community organisations, projects will enhance the role that heritage plays in the future of each place participating in the scheme. 

Speaking to the Girvan Town Team, Colin Love, said: “Girvan is a significant area which really needs funding.

“We could be awarded up to £1m over a three year period.

“This will be revenue funding which is about giving back to the community through employment opportunities and encouraging visitors to Girvan.
“The scheme aims to bring access to heritage but we want to work in partnership with the town to make sure we are on the same page.”

The Great Place Scheme will invest in five to 10 places across Scotland to build on existing strengths within the heritage sector.

The cash aid will allow each area to maximise its positive social, environmental and economic contribution.

It will enable heritage organisations to make a step-change in how they work together and with other organisations in other sectors.

That will allow heritage projects to contribute more to meeting local social, environmental and economic objectives.

Andy Lee added: “This will be different to the plans for Maybole which is more about infrastructure.

“This project is about people, community groups and events.

“Girvan is the most deprived area in South Ayrshire and Glendoune is even worse.

“We want to spent money and become a gold star town - like Dundee.
An application of 500 words has been submitted to the Great Places Scheme.

Further consultation on the proposal  is expected to take place in September.