Proposal to transform town into tourism hub
Maybole High Street could mirror the likes of popular fishing villages which are now a haven for tourists.
According to those behind the Maybole Regeneration Project, the town could become a tourism hub similar to the villages of the East Neuk of Fife.
Places such as Crail and Anstruther attract thousands of visitors every year with demand seeing galleries, cafes, hotels and shops to flourish.
Maybole was the historic capital of Carrick, with official Burgh status, a lively history as a market town and seat of the Kennedys.
And with Crossraguel Abbey and Culzean Castle on the doorstep, picturesque harbours like Dunure and beaches just down the road, it’s not hard to imagine that what has been achieved in Fife is also within reach, much closer to home.
Last week we reported that according to VisitScotland figures, visitors can spend up to £170m across the region in a year.
Councillor Brian McGinley,
Economy and Culture Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council, said: “Tourism has always been an important sector for South Ayrshire, and crucial to the local economy.
“It’s a key part of the Maybole regeneration project, that visitors rediscover the town and connect with Carrick’s ancient heritage.
“We also want local people to be ambassadors for town, take pride in where they live and rediscover all that their town has to offer.”
As Maybole finally sees its £7.5 million regeneration project get underway, key, historic buildings are being restored and the town bypass will remove heavy traffic from the town centre.
Grants of up to £25,000 are available to improve shop fronts, and pedestrian and cycling routes are built in to the design of the town centre.
Duncan Clelland, Project Lead for the Maybole Regeneration Project, said: “It’s not so long since towns like Girvan and Maybole were places families looked forward to visiting as day-trip and holiday destinations.
“With the support of South Ayrshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Visit Scotland and perhaps most importantly of all, the creativity of local people and businesses, the Maybole Regeneration Project is an important step in unleashing a new wave of ambition and a new era for the town.
“We invite everyone to visit the newly launched Maybole Regeneration Project website.” (www.regeneratingmaybole).