Spirit of community will keep things going
Long serving councillor Elaine Dinwoodie believes the spirit of the people will keep Rankinston alive.
“It’s a small community, but the spirit of folk there is keeping them going.
“Rankinston doesn’t want to be lost and forgotten,” said the Doon Valley Labour councillor.
Elaine has served the area since 1999, and she’s seen villagers battle on through difficult circumstances.
“the doctors’ surgery has now gone from a portacabin that was used.
“But there’s a bus service to the doctors’ in Patna, and prescriptions are delivered to the community centre.
“the community centre committee are doing a great job, working in partnership with East Ayrshire Council.
“the people are doing the voluntary work in running the centre, and the council is paying for the heating and upkeep.”
Elaine says East Ayrshire Council is trying to pursue the owners of the derelict pub and bowling green.
“that would take away the blight, but it will take time,” she said.
“the shop’s gone too, but there’s a mobile post office and mobile shops regularly visiting Rankinston.
“It’s not been easy for this wee community, but they’ve kept going.
“they don’t want to be lost or forgotten.”