Refurbished Trotter’s building emerges as a new community hub
The newly refurbished Trotter’s building in the heart of New Cumnock has officially opened for business, with Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Business and Fair Work in attendance.
The Trotter’s building is one of the few remaining historic buildings in the surrounding area and having lain vacant for over two decades in a derelict state, it has been completely refurbished by New Cumnock Development Trust into the New Cumnock Re-use Hub, known as Trotter’s.
The refurbishment of this iconic building in the heart of the town has been made possible by funding from the Scottish Government RCGF, UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, East Ayrshire Council Renewable Energy Fund, Scottish Land Fund and other wind farm funds channelled directly through New Cumnock Development Trust including South Kyle wind farm, Afton wind farm and Hare Hill Extension wind farm.
This project is designed to support re-use, creativity, entrepreneurship, and community connection. The dynamic community space houses a café, which opened in May 2026, workshops focusing on repair skills using textiles and woodwork with potential for other creative uses, a pop-up shop showcasing products made by local makers, a community co-working hub available for hire, and a community space.
John Hunter, Chair of New Cumnock Development Trust Board welcomed the Minister and invited guests to Trotters.
The refurbished building was officially opened by Iain Burgoyne - ‘Budgie’ - current Vice Chair of the Trust and longstanding volunteer who has dedicated his time and energy to the project for several years.
Councillor Jim McMahon, Depute Leader, East Ayrshire Council, and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing, Transport and Communities attended the event with local members Councillor June Kyle and Councillor Neill Watts. He said: “What a great day for New Cumnock. This is community regeneration at its very best and it’s fantastic to see this landmark building being preserved in such a way. New Cumnock Development Trust worked hard to secure funding to help turn their vision for this building into a reality – and what we have today is a real asset for the local community, which nurtures and celebrates local talents and skills.”
John Hunter added: “Bringing the Trotters building back into use is a significant milestone in the re-imagining of the village centre and a proud moment for New Cumnock Development Trust. A project of this scale has taken years of determination, partnership and hard work.
“I am grateful to the community for placing its trust in us, to our funders whose support made the re-development possible and to every volunteer, trustee, partner, contractor and colleague who helped turn an ambitious idea into a lasting community asset. It has been a privilege to work alongside so many brilliant people and to see our shared vision for Trotters become a reality.”
Business and Fair Work Minister Tom Arthur said: “It was a great pleasure to visit Trotters and see the amazing transformation that has taken place.
“The Scottish Government has provided more than £2 million through our Regeneration Capital Grant Fund to help turn a site which had stood empty for two decades into a modern vibrant building which is now home to thriving businesses.
“I look forward to hearing about the continuing success story of Trotters and hope it inspires others to look at ways of regenerating their communities.”
INCH Architecture worked closely with the New Cumnock Development Trust to come up with a design which has sensitively retained and preserved the existing structure of the building.
Cundall delivered a fabric-first retrofit, stabilising structural defects while maximising retention of existing materials. Original timber, masonry, and steel elements were repaired and strengthened rather than replaced, while enhanced building performance and an air source heat pump reduced operational energy demand.
Guests were treated to guided tours of the renovated building after enjoying lunch in the Cafe@Trotters.
Notes to editors
Background
New Cumnock is a town with a population of c2650 located in East Ayrshire. Following the closure of the mines and rundown of manufacturing and construction jobs the town lacks new employment opportunities whilst the Local Development Plan and the Placemaking Action Programme for New Cumnock identify several priority buildings requiring redevelopment to improve their impact on the quality of the built environment and civic space.
This includes the Trotters building, a former department store which has been vacant and in worsening condition for over 20 years and no longer considered a viable economic investment for private developers.
New Cumnock Development Trust (NCDT) was established to help regenerate the area and boost social conditions with a strong focus on sustainable development - securing charitable status in 2018. The New Cumnock Regeneration Masterplan was developed following consultation with over 250 residents identifying the regeneration of vacant buildings, promotion of skills development opportunities and new retail and café offerings as clear local priorities.
NCDT secured Scottish Land Fund funding for an options appraisal and feasibility study for the establishment of a reuse and repair hub, reviewing the suitability of several empty properties. Trotters Building was the most suitable location due to its size, location and proximity to a range of travel options and Stage 2 Scottish Land Fund monies were subsequently secured to enable NCDT to acquire the building.
Since then, NCDT have secured £75,337 in late 2021 from the UK Community Renewal Fund to run a Reuse Hub pilot in another smaller building in the town, refurbishing IT equipment and bikes and providing skills and training opportunities for young people, whilst the capital funding package was assembled to refurbish the Trotters building as the permanent home for the re-use hub.
The funding has been obtained from the following sources:-
Inspiring Scotland, Rural & Island Communities Ideas into Action Fund £69,913
Scottish Government RCGF £2,193,348
NCDT Windfarm Community Benefit Fund £322,059
East Ayrshire Renewable Energy Fund £150,000
UK Government Community Ownership Fund 2 £182,073
TOTAL £2,917,393
The project refurbished the former Trotters retail building located in the heart of New Cumnock at 72-84 Castle - a derelict building with heritage value in need of extensive repair and situated in a prominent, visible position within the town.
Redevelopment of the building was a priority identified explicitly within the New Cumnock Regeneration Masterplan. A new 641m2 reuse hub and community space has been created containing workshop space, retail/cafe space with shop frontage, reception area, training and meeting space, office/ hot desking space for local enterprises and community space for residents to come together.