Axe falls on Auchincruive

Sadness as college estate for sale at £ 3m+ Raising a glass to a year of the McCoo

Critics may see it as an arch betrayal of a wonderful gift to Ayrshire.

Others simply as the progession of time, centralisation and economic necessity.

The biggest chunk remaining of the Auchincruive Estate near Ayr has just gone on the market for more than £ 3 million.

For the past 85 years it was chiefly the West of Scotland Agricultural College, set on land and buildings given by Girvan tattie farmer and crop pioneer John Hannah.

Hannah had bought it just two years earlier from the Oswald family.

The present incarnation, SRUC, flogged off adjacent farmland three years ago and the historic Oswald Hall to scientists Neogen.

The college has shifted classrooms to Ayr town centre but will lease back 13 Auchencruive buildings, including the poultry unit and vet labs, for a token rent as part of the deal with the new owners.

Bob Cherry, of the Ayr office of agents Galbraith, said: “Whilst enjoying a fantastic rural environment, the location of the

Auchincruive Estate close to Ayr provides excellent facilities, and immediate proximity to the M77 offers rapid commuting opportunities into Glasgow. It is therefore very well placed to meet current housing demand in Ayrshire.”

The estate dates to 1723 and this sale includes listed buildings, the tatty Donald Hendrie accomodation block and 118 acres.

The total floor space is 122,500sq ft and letting brings in £ 165,000 a year.

Sixteen houses and cottages are for sale as well as the listed Gibbs Yard - the original farm steading - and 80- roomed Wilson Hall of Residence built in 1955.

Planning permission was given in 2012 for 495 new houses, though since then some property has been sold off piecemeal.

The sale also includes the A- listed Oswald family teahouse Art i s t Steven Brown celebrated a year of his Ayr boutique store with a party on Friday night.

And the glitzy bash saw a host of guests and art fans pop along and meet Steven and the team at the folly and an underground ice store, which is also protected.

A 30- acre arboretum features 1015 memorial trees. Newmarket Street boutique.

And of course, they all raised their glasses to the famous McCoo who was there to enjoy the celebrations too.

“When I look back on the last 12 months it is incredible to think about how much has been achieved,” beamed Steven.

“But the overwhelming response to my company Steven Brown Art has been way beyond our expectations.”