AFTER denying rumours that Dolphin House and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme could be scrapped, South Ayrshire Council have made a u-turn.

Concerns had been raised about proposals to close programme and the sports facility at Culzean but residents were assured they were both safe.

Last month Eileen Howat, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council, said: “Despite rumour and speculation, the Council has not decided to close Dolphin House or end the Duke of Edinburgh programme and any suggestion that we have is entirely inaccurate.” 

But not everyone was convinced the council would keep Dolphin House open.

Our source said: “Staff in some council departments were sent emails to confirm it was going to happen in early May/June. South Ayrshire rent Dolphin House for a £1 a year and make a donation to the National Trust.”

Budget proposals for 2018/2019 have been suggested but a decision will not be made until public consultation has taken place and discussed at council meeting.

If Dolphin House and the Duke of Edinburgh programme are closed the council would save £95,262 in 2018/2019 and £171,905 in 2019/2020.

Eileen Howat, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council, added: “We have saved £53 million while minimising the impact on our public services, however, there is only so far we can go before the impact of the financial challenge really does start to bite.

That’s exactly where we are now and why officers were asked to come up with wide-ranging proposals that can then be considered in detail once we know how much money we’re getting from the Scottish Government.”