Doon Valley renews survival fundraising push

THE DOON Valley Railway has renewed efforts to raise £250,000 to buy the buildings at its Dunaskin headquarters, which are vital for its survival.

The Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group, which operates the former colliery railway, launched its appeal in February after being informed by its landlord that several buildings used to provide visitor facilities were being put up for sale (SR542). Funds raised stood at just over £22,000 at the time of going to press.

As part of its renewed fundraising push, the DVR has established three new appeal targets, with an initial aim of raising £100,000 by the end of April, followed by £200,000 by May 31 and the full £250,000 by June 30.

ARPG chairman Archie Thom said: “We have applications in for grant funding, but we’re not expecting all of those to be awarded. However, there are positive signs from some of them. Also, 500 local businesses have been asked to donate £500 each, in return for a place on a permanent roll of honour. The first few have come in, but we don’t expect them all to respond positively.”

He added: “We are still confident that we will succeed in purchasing at least part of the buildings, hopefully enough to keep us in business. If we are totally unsuccessful, then the future of the railway becomes very uncertain.

“The shop building includes the only toilets on site. Without them, never mind anything else, we cannot invite the public on to the site. This would mean that the railway would cease to function as a visitor attraction. The ARPG would be in the galling position of being solvent, owning some property on the site and having a long-term lease of our running line, but being unable to operate a public railway. And, of course, all funds donated to date would have to be refunded to their donors.”

● To contribute, visit www.doonvalleyrailway.co.uk