Crumbling heritage
A plan to save Maybole has been unveiled.
The town’s grand old buildings are in line for a long- overdue facelift. The once- proud High Street frontages have been crumbling over the years but architects have unveiled an action plan to restore the town to its former glory.
The 190- page draft Maybole Conservation Area Management Plan from Wylie Shanks was commissioned by South Ayrshire Council. It is part of a drive to bag funding of £ 1.3 million.
Repairs and restoration of Maybole’s outstanding conservation area between the Castle and Speaker’s Corner will be the focus and saving architecture at risk and making public realm improvements are priorities.
The town has been slammed for giving a poor first impression to visitors, with little tourist information available.
And the main tourist attraction – Collegiate Church – has been closed off with keys held elsewhere.
The conservation plan said: “Very little maintenance has been carried out over the years.
“This has led to a decline in the aesthetic of the High Street, which is added to by the dirt and grime generated by the quantity of HGVs passing through the town.”
Praising the town, which dates to the 12th century, it said: “The historic heart of Maybole is significant as the ancient capital of Carrick.”
A regeneration project will prioritise buildings identified as at risk, which include Maybole Castle, Old Parish Church and hall, the Cassilis Hotel and a raft of other High Street properties.
Special characteristics of heritage buildings include double storm doors, timber sash and case windows and original slated roofs.
The town boasts one A- listed, 14 B- listed, and 18 C- listed buildings.
Out of the 63 commercial properties in the conservation area, 17 are vacant.
The draft Maybole Conservation Plan was approved for public consulation at South Ayrshire Council’s leadership panel last week.