Real light touch for 350th anniversary
Girvan harbour is set to be bathed in light as part of the 350th anniversary of the town becoming a burgh.
Girvan Town Team plans to upgrade lighting at the port and has placed a bid to the Kilgallioch Community Benefit Company to see decorative illuminations brightening up the dock.
The group held a meeting earlier this year to discuss how best to celebrate the anniversary.
Town Team co-ordinator Roddy MacDonald said: “A number of events are taking place over the year and one of those was that if we could have lights for the harbour that would be really great.
“There is a bid gone into Kilgallioch and we’re also looking to use other money we’ve got to support that bid and make sure we make this happen.
“The harbour itself is really looking dynamic so it’s building on that as the harbour is very important to Girvan.
“It’s very emblematic and energetic and it’s just part of getting Girvan back on its feet again.
There is hope that if improved, the lights will not only be for the celebration but could become a permanent fixture to the harbourside.
Roddy continued: “My understanding is that yes they’re there for the celebration but if people felt they were a benefit and an attraction to the harbour then I would see no hesitation to keeping them.
“If the harbour felt that the lights compliments the harbour throughout the year then why not.
The Town Team co-ordinator added: “It’s just about getting positive activity and promoting Girvan.”
A 1668 Group has been established under the umbrella of the Girvan Town Team, supported by funding from the William Grant Foundation, and work has been undertaken by groups to make sure that this will be a significant year of commemoration.
An early focus will be on the May weekend of Saturday 5 and Sunday, 6 with a combination of entertainment and thanksgiving including the Girvan Folk Festival, a Songs of Praise Evening at the North Parish Church, RNLI naming event, May Market at the Town House and a re-enactment event at Stumpy Tower.
However, each month of this year has a range of activities on offer.
Councillor Brian McGinley, chairman of the council’s economic development, tourism and leisure portfolio, said: “Girvan 1668 promises to be a landmark event with the organisers showing what can be achieved when we pull together for a common purpose.”