Why we are consulting with you

2nd Phase of Consultation

The Council is undertaking a review of the Scheme for Establishment of Community Councils (the Scheme), in line with procedures outlined within the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.   

The act requires Local Authorities to review the Scheme for Establishment from time to time, and to take into consideration changing circumstances.

The purpose of the Scheme for Establishment is to outline the Community Council areas and to identify the roles and responsibilities of a Community Council, their governance arrangements, and the support which will be provided by South Ayrshire Council.

Since the introduction of the current Scheme for Establishment of Community Councils 2020 and Guidance for Community Councils came in to use, there have been concerns raised by both officers and Community Councils regarding the size of the documents and the working practicalities on certain aspects of the Scheme and Guidance. 

In order to do this South Ayrshire Council agreed to undertake a full review of the Scheme, in two phases. Phase 1 we asked you to comment on The Scheme for Establishment of Community Councils 2020.  Responses and feedback were reviewed and collated by a working group made up of Community Councillors, SAC Senior Communities Officer, SAC Link Officers and SAC Legal Services.  From this we have now prepared a draft proposal which was taken to Full Council on 26th August 2025 and has been agreed that we can now carry out Phase 2 of the consultation.

Phase 2 is to get feedback on the proposed amendments to the Scheme and governance documents.

We have included a copy of the current Scheme (2020), the proposed updated Scheme (2026) as well as the associated appendices.

There is no specific questions as part of the consultation, we are just asking for general feedback.  It would be appreciated if you are commenting on a particular section or part that you please note the number in your response.

Hard copies of the document and feedback forms are also available at:

• Alloway Library, Doonholm Road, Alloway, KA7 4QQ
• Ballantrae Library, The Hall, Ballantrae, KA26 0NB
• Carnegie Library, 12 Main Street, Ayr KA8 8EB
• Forehill Library, 31-33 Mount Oliphant Crescent, Ayr KA7 3EN
• Girvan Library, 17-19 Knockcushan Street, Girvan, KA26 9AJ
• John Rodie Library, 39 Annbank Road, Mossblown, KA6 5DZ
• Maybole Library, Carnegie Building, 1 High Street, Maybole, KA19 7AB
• Prestwick Library, 14 Kyle Street, Prestwick, KA9 1PQ
• Symington Library, 15 Brewlands Road, Symington, KA1 5QZ
• Tarbolton Library, Tarbolton Community Campus, Montgomerie Street,Tarbolton, KA5 5QA
• Troon Library, South Beach, Troon KA10 6EF 
• Mobile Library

Please take some time to complete this 2nd phase of the review to help shape the future of community councils in South Ayrshire.

We are also holding in-person drop-in sessions should you wish to come along to share your feedback:

• Tuesday 16th September – McAdam Room, Carrick Opportunities Centre, Henrietta Street, Girvan (5pm – 7pm)
• Tuesday 23rd September –  Committee Room, Walker Hall, South Beach, Troon (5pm – 7pm)
• Tuesday 30th September –  Prestwick Community Cafe (65 Club), Main Street, Prestwick  (5pm - 7pm)
• Tuesday 7th October – Lochside Community Centre, Lochside Road, Ayr (5pm – 7pm)
• Monday 13th October - Maybole Library (upstairs), High Street, Maybole (5pm - 6.45pm)
• Tuesday 21st October - Carnegie Library, Main Street, Ayr (4.45pm - 6.45pm)

The closing date is 2nd November 2025.