Plans to regenerate Galston town centre have been unveiled as part of its new Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

There are a number of buildings within Galston, which hold important historic and architectural value, but time, weathering and the prohibitive costs of repairs have led some of the properties falling into disrepair.

Under the CARS project, which is jointly funded by East Ayrshire Council and Historic Scotland, building owners will be offered grant assistance, support and advice to enable them to carry out the necessary repairs.

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All work will be required to be carried out by experienced contractors using traditional methods, which are suitable for older buildings. Restoration work will include making the properties wind and water tight, repairing roofs, guttering and windows.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration, said: "We've already had considerable success with the Kilmarnock and Cumnock CARS projects, helping businesses and residential owners to conserve their premises and creating and sustaining jobs in the building industry.

"We're obviously very pleased to be able to do something similar in Galston as this project will be a key element in revitalising the town centre and an important opportunity to secure investment for the town.

"We will continue to work closely with the Community Development Trust and with people and businesses in Galston and hope that owners will contact us about renovating their properties to help us make this project a real success for the town and its residents."

(JP/MH)