Celebrating success, community groups gather to showcase their regeneration projects

The projects were all funded by the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP), which ran from 2021 to 2026, providing over £5m investment in 102 projects – all conceived and run by local groups with help from the Council’s Community Led Regeneration team.

Although the original funding has now come to an end, funding from the UK  Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund (PiPIF) has meant that a further 19 projects have also been identified for action.

The celebrations of the success of the initiative and its projects brought together people from all over East Ayrshire whose common goal had been to make life easier, more pleasant, healthier and happier for local residents.

Commenting on the achievements of so many, Councillor Graham Barton, East Ayrshire Council said:

“What struck me so strongly at these two events was the enthusiasm and energy of all those who’d successfully driven these projects to fruition. 

“It takes a lot of determination and dedication to apply for and work through the process of making a difference to your local community, and these people have all shown us a great example of what can be achieved if people work together for the common good.

“Whether it’s a tiny hamlet needing a footpath cleared to make access easier for those with pushchairs and wheelchairs, or a bowling club needing new toilets, a roof needing repaired or a small business struggling to afford a shopfront makeover, these grants can make all the difference.

“While some of the obvious successes are visible to all, like the Darvel Corner – with its beautiful covered area, landscaping and Sir Alexander Fleming Mural - or the incredible new facilities at Take a Bow in New Farm Loch,  or  whether it’s less obvious work - like urgently needed repairs to worn out buildings - every penny spent has been thought through, meticulously researched and planned and will be sure to make a difference to so many people both now and in the future.”

While the purpose of the funding was to restore and renew infrastructure, one of the most crucial side effects was that of promoting collaboration and action in the communities who took advantage of the scheme.  

Councillor Elaine Cowan wanted to recognise all the hard work over the last five years from those managing  and implementing the programme. She praised the celebration events saying:

“What a great way to bring representatives from the different areas together to showcase their individual projects and share their learnings (and frustrations).

“It was great to listen to the volunteers explain what the funding had meant to them and the positive impact it has made in their communities. 

“It was also reassuring to hear the appreciation that many of the speakers had for the guidance and support provided by East Ayrshire Council.”

This sentiment was echoed by David Gibson of Talbot Community Football Club who said it was a “really excellent day with lots of shared experiences.”

Councillor Graham Barton summed it up, saying:

“So much has been achieved in so many communities over the past five years, but perhaps the most valuable aspect is the bonds made and the pride restored in the people who now feel empowered to continue with their work to make life a little better for those in and around where they live.

“I have no doubt that while this particular programme is finished, many of the groups will keep in touch with each other and use their experience and expertise to tackle other issues and help foster more pride in their areas. We’ve always said that our people in East Ayrshire are our best asset and that the most successful regeneration is led by our own communities. What has been achieved through these PBIP projects is certainly proof of that.”

To find out more about all the community projects visit our Place Based Investment Programme Case Studies page