Braving the burn
Community members are joining forces to restore their woodland areas to its former glory - with one councillor braving the burn. Residents will come together this Saturday to help address the litter issue of Annfield Burn in Kincaidston. And Councillor Chris Cullen will be sporting his finest chest- waders to tackle the litter hotspot of the burn itself, which is strewn with trollies, toys and even an old motorbike. Community Council of Belmont, Kincaidston & St Leonards community council members arranged the litter pick and want to return the area of greenspace to its former glory of rich habitat for a range of wildlife. The woodland, water and grassland area host a number of species like Sycamore, Ash and Birch trees, as well as flowers like comfrey, violets, bluebells and sedges. Blackthorn and hawthorn provide an important source of nectar for the bees as does the ivy. This area is a forgotten treasure and in time it is hoped to be a thriving ecosystem and area of natural beauty. Kincaidston Primary pupils have been involved in the planning process of the Burn clean up as they designed handmade posters urging volunteers to help pitch in and rid their surroundings of crisp packets and sweetie wrappers. Cllr Chris Cullen said: “I want to get as much of the area cleaned as possible. “We’re trying to encourage people not to drop litter or to carry a sofa from the middle of the estate right down and into the burn.” Anyone willing to spare an hour or two to help revitalise this area in the community will be made most welcome. Litter pick volunteers will meet at the Community Pavilion at 10.30am with all gloves, bags and pickers provided. Last week Ayr Rotary held their weekly meeting at the newly- opened Unity Grill restaurant in Newmarket Street. And what an evening they had – great food in a great place with great friends and guests! The surroundings and staff at the restaurant excelled. The main purpose of their meeting there was to congratulate Angela McNay for achieving her ambition of opening a social enterprise restaurant in Ayr and to present her with a £ 200 cheque to support her remarkable cause. The restaurant operates as an attractive, non- profitmaking, open- to- all, otherwise conventional restaurant with an excellent menu and price list. Crucially however, its raison d’etre is to allow those in difficult financial circumstances, by prior discreet arrangement, to obtain a meal through a payment- in- kind involving a contribution to the day- to- day working of the restaurant or its ancillary social activities. Angela sees the enterprise eventually as much more than just a restaurant, but as a social hub offering a variety of support services.