This funding would be used to pay for additional services to enhance the existing Stinchar Connections community transport service, and allow an extra opportunity to link the bus with youth club activities in Girvan, and also allow a later service home from Girvan on one evening per week, which will be of benefit to people travelling home from work. This service will be even more valuable to residents from Pinwherry, Pinmore and Barrhill who have seen a recent change to their public bus timetable, with Stagecoach having withdrawn the Newton Stewart – Girvan service, and the subsequent operator having reduced the frequency of the buses. Most notably there are no buses to these villages after the school bus, and a reduction in buses on non school days. This is similar to the public bus service provided to Colmonell in that there are no public bus services after the school bus leaves Girvan until after 10pm at night, therefore the community bus services operated by South Ayrshire Community Transport and provided by Stinchar Connections are of vital importance to these communities. All buses run to a timetable with a paid driver to ensure reliability of the service.

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Senior P7 Pupils from 9 Primary schools, prioritising hose from the most deprived areas of Ayr, about 270 in total, will be brought with their teachers to Ayr Town Hall, where between 30 and 35 Careers will be on display, ranging from Aeospace engineering, Hairdressing, Dentistry and Medicine, Horticulture, police and Fire and Rescue, and many more. The "stalls" set out are as interactive as possible, and the careers representatives invited on the basis of their enthusiasm for their chosen careers, their ability to communicate with young folk, and in many cases, have come from challenging backgrounds themselves , with the ability to inspire these young folk with their own life experiences. This will be the third similar event we have run - the feedback and enthusiasm from the pupils, teachers, and careers reps has been inspirational, and in Rotary, working in partnership with the schools, we are keen to run this again in 2026. Costs include coach hire (increasing each year), hire of the Ayr Town Hall, and refreshments for the 60 (average number attending) Careers Reps, who give up a days work, some are self employed,  none of whom make any charge or claim for travel expenses, etc.Several have travelled from Glasgow and Edinburgh, some have asked to return each year in their enthusiasm to inspire these young people. The pupils are asked to feedback to their classes, and before the event, are given the list of careers, asked to chose those they are most interested in, and working with the teachers, do some preparatory reading up before arriving in the Hall.

We seek funding for initial development costs for The South, including community consultation costs and early concept meetings with consultants.

We are currently looking into purchasing the South Parish Church in Girvan to be used as a multi-purpose community venue for performances etc. of up to 450 people, and as a function space for up to 180 people. No such venue has existed in Girvan since the Beach Pavillion was demolished 15 years ago and as such, there is an identifiable need in the community.

We also aim to convert the church hall into a modern bunkhouse for walkers, cyclists, and for people attending functions or events at the venue. Recent Surveys by GoGirvan have highlighted the need for accommodation, and it will also increase the financial viability of the project. In addition, we are exploring the option of incorporating a commercial kitchen into the complex which could be used both by the venue and other community groups in partnership.

We have successfully delivered the first in a series of public engagement exercises to better understand the needs and wants of the community, and to ascertain their support for the project. Our next steps are to engage consultants to help us develop the project to RIBA 0-2, including options appraisal, feasibility study and concept designs.  We are looking for funding to help us do both these things.

The Overmills Allotment Association currently operates on a site with no amenities. While the plots provide valuable opportunities for growing food and engaging with nature, the absence of basic facilities limits accessibility, comfort, and the potential to develop the allotments as a wider community resource.

Proposal

We propose the purchase of a welfare unit on-site. This facility would provide a sheltered rest area, toilet facilities, and basic handwashing, significantly enhancing the experience of all members and visitors. We are seeking funding support to partly fund this project, with the Association seeking further funding, contributing resources, fundraising, and volunteer input towards the overall costs. This demonstrates our commitment and ensures shared responsibility for the welfare unit’s installation and upkeep.

Key Benefits and Outcomes

• Health and Wellbeing

Gardening is widely recognised for its physical and mental health benefits. A welfare unit would make the site more welcoming and safer, enabling members to spend longer periods on their plots in comfort. Access to toilets and handwashing facilities supports good hygiene and reduces health risks.

• Community Development and Social Value

The unit would act as a central hub where members can gather, share knowledge, and support one another. It would encourage social interaction, helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation, particularly among older members. The space could be used for small workshops, demonstrations, and community events, further extending the value of the allotments to the local area.

• Accessibility and Inclusivity

Basic amenities will make the allotments accessible to families with young children, older people, and those with mobility or health issues, ensuring that no one is excluded from participation. By improving accessibility, the welfare unit would attract new members and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the association.

• Environmental and Educational Benefits

The welfare unit would support community initiatives around sustainable living, composting, and food growing, helping local people develop practical skills that benefit both households and the wider environment. With a central meeting point, the site could host visits from schools, community groups, and educational projects.

Conclusion

Installing a welfare unit would transform Overmills Allotments into a fully inclusive, safe, and welcoming community resource. It would extend the reach and benefits of the allotments beyond individual plot holders, delivering measurable improvements in health, wellbeing, community cohesion, and education.

The unit is estimated at a cost of £11000-£13500, by part-funding this project, with other funders, you would be helping us create a long-lasting community asset, with the Association itself also contributing towards costs and ongoing management. Together, this partnership approach ensures value for money and a strong, sustainable outcome for the local area.

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