A dedicated Conservation Accredited Architect has been appointed to help progress the Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

Wendy Corrigan of Glasgow-based Wylie Shanks Architects and a member of the National Trust for Scotland's Board of Trustees, will oversee the Mauchline CARS projects.

Wendy's role will include preparation of a Conservation Area Management Plan and the design and implementation of a public realm scheme to revitalise the extensive public areas which wind through the centre of Mauchline.

Welcoming the appointment, Lyn Rew, Mauchline CARS Officer said: "We're delighted to welcome Wendy Corrigan and the Wylie Shanks Architects team to work with us on the Mauchline CARS projects.

"She brings with her a wealth of conservation experience and expertise, and a sound knowledge of Ayrshire vernacular architecture and a strong track record of working on conservation projects in East Ayrshire.

"Because we've already followed a rigorous procurement process to appoint Wylie Shanks building owners be able to choose to contract them to work on the design and implementation of Building Repair and Shop Front Improvement Schemes, without having to carry out their own procurement/tendering process.

"They will also work with us to organise and deliver conservation training programmes, talks and be available to participants to offer general advice.

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"Wylie Shanks were involved in the early stages of the project. They produced the Mauchline Conservation Area Appraisal which was instrumental in helping the Mauchline CARS Team and the Local Community secure £2.2 million CARS Funding. The team are therefore already very knowledgeable about the area.

"CARS projects are part funded by Historic Environment Scotland, and all work has to meet their stringent conditions, to make sure any repairs and restoration are undertaken using methods and materials which are sympathetic to the original building. With Wylie Shanks Architects on board, anyone who applies for funding to carry out essential conservation repairs to their building can be confident that they will have access to top notch conservation accredited advice and help throughout the project."

Councillor Jim Roberts, Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure, East Ayrshire Council added: "We've already seen the benefits of CARS projects in Kilmarnock, Cumnock and Galston, where the funding and expertise available has helped countless owners of historic buildings to make what would be otherwise be uneconomic repairs and help preserve them sympathetically to fit modern purposes. The funding has helped support existing and new businesses to provide new shops, homes and offices in some buildings which had previously been uninhabitable for many years due to weathering and water damage.

"CARS works to fund repairs and replacements to roofing, windows, doors, rainwater goods like gutters and downpipes, shopfronts and stonework. The architectural expertise lies in looking at what buildings were originally like, trying where possible to restore any original or missing features, making them wind and watertight, and helping bring their appearance back to their former glory.

"Wylie Shanks Architects, and Wendy Corrigan in particular, are the Council's No 1 Conservation Accredited Architect for the second term running on the Council's Conservation Accredited Architect Procurement Framework. They have been involved in the conservation of a number of buildings within East Ayrshire Council including Dean Castle and have also successfully helped EAC deliver several CARS and Townscape Heritage Projects."

Wendy Corrigan said: "We at Wylie Shanks Architects are delighted to be working with East Ayrshire Council to develop the Mauchline CARS scheme over the next five years. Having been involved with a number of CARS funded projects in the past we have seen first-hand the huge benefits that this investment can bring to communities. This is an exciting opportunity for Mauchline."