Latest news on Mauchline CARS – Action Plan Approved
The amended Mauchline CARS Action Plan was approved at Cabinet on Wednesday 3 December.
Mauchline's Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme - which helps owners of residential and commercial properties within the conservation area to restore their buildings - comes to an end in March 2026.
With the withdrawal of one project, Cabinet approved amendments to the plan to make sure all available funds are used to the maximum benefit for the town.
Considering the limited time remaining for the Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) funding, East Ayrshire Council aims to ensure a maximum spend of the funds available and have approved the below amendments to the plan:
- To allocate £30k towards the refurbishment of Burns House Museum from the CARS funding underspend following an unsuccessful external funding application
- To instruct additional external repairs and improvements to the Burns House Museum Courtyard to increase the public’s utilisation of this area of open space. These works will be funded by the current underspend from the external fabric repairs of Burns House Museum and Nanse Tinnock's
- To allocate a fund of £20,000 (£7,500 HES/£12,500 EAC) from the unallocated contingency fund, to deliver a heritage themed public art project, the creation of a mural adjacent to the Burns House Museum
- To create a Small Grant Scheme for applicants to access for small scale aesthetic building improvement projects, with a fund budget of £27,200
- To increase the allocation for the Mauchline Heritage Trail App by £10,000 from HES funding
Councillor Graham Barton, Cabinet Spokesperson for Planning, Property and Environment said: “We have previously delivered successful CARS projects in Cumnock, Galston and Kilmarnock. Mauchline CARS is proving to be no exception.
“I welcome the amended Mauchline CARS Action Plan, and look forward to further projects being completed in 2026 – particularly the creation of a mural adjacent to the Burns House Museum, the creation of the Small Grant Scheme, and the increased allocation for the Mauchline Heritage Trail App.
“Repurposing buildings for the 21st century within Mauchline is an area I am extremely passionate about and am sure that the completed projects will boost the local economy and cultural heritage within the town of Mauchline.”
An update on Mauchline CARS projects
Since August 2025, an additional building repair project at Burns House Museum and Nance Tinnocks, as well as additional works to 39 Loudoun Street have now been completed.
Building works are currently on-going at 1 The Cross and 3a Earl Grey Street, awaiting the final account.
Both projects are planned to be completed within the duration of the programme.
About Mauchline CARS
Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) is a heritage led regeneration scheme for Mauchline which will run until March 2026.
The scheme is funded by Historic Environment Scotland and East Ayrshire Council and provides property owners within the Mauchline Conservation Area with the opportunity to apply for grant funding for building repairs, re-instatement of architectural detail and shop front improvements.
Mauchline CARS aims to maximise and sustain the economic potential of Mauchline’s Culture and Heritage assets through:
- a small grant scheme to enable and encourage private owners to carry out urgent repairs on traditional and older properties
- a medium/small grant scheme for shop front improvements
- public realm works
- an education and training programme for those involved or wishing to be involved in the traditional construction industry
- a programme of community participation and learning to increase people’s understanding and appreciation of heritage
Find out more about Mauchline CARS
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