A former stately home in East Ayrshire is to be transformed by its new owners, it has been announced.

Glaisnock House, which is located on the outskirts of Cumnock, now belongs to Chinese buyers, and East Ayrshire Council has said they plan to turn the property into a Chinese language and cultural centre. It will also include a business hub for Chinese students, as well as entrepreneurs from the Far East regions aiming to establish new business links in foreign markets.

Welcoming the announcement, Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: "This is great news not only for East Ayrshire, but for Scottish business in general. We have a number of local companies already doing business in the Far East and enhanced trade links with Chinese markets are very much the way forward. The creation of this hub will prepare delegates for doing business both in China and in Scotland.

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"These proposals will secure a positive future for yet another of East Ayrshire's hidden treasures. Many local people of a certain age will have fond memories of school residential trips to Glaisnock House in the past, and once again, thanks to this investment, it will provide a base for culture and learning.

"In recent years we have seen significant investment and regeneration in Cumnock and its neighbouring communities and we look forward to working with the new owners to help attract new businesses and secure further investment to the area."

The agreement for Glaisnock House was made possible by Chinese Entrepreneur, Li Peng, Operations Director of UPIC, an investment consortium involving retail, tourism and education, and local legal firm, Frazer Coogans.

(JP/CD)