Grant funding of more than £500,000 has been secured for an innovative project to radically upgrade public facilities on islands in the North Ayrshire region.

The Scottish Government has awarded £540,000 towards the transformation of public facilities on Arran and Cumbrae into 'visitor pit stops', featuring a range of facilities.

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands at North Ayrshire Council, said: "We are thrilled to have been successful in securing funding which will have real, positive impacts on our islands. As local Elected Member for Cumbrae, I'd like to thank Council Officers for their hard work in preparing and submitting these bids.

"I'm sure residents and visitors on both Arran and Cumbrae will be delighted to see the toilet blocks redeveloped to provide a range of facilities including water-reducing bio toilets, changing and shower facilities, cycle racks and repair stations among many other features.

"This project will make an important contribution to delivering on priority actions within the Arran and Cumbrae Local Island Plans, which have been developed alongside our island communities to support economic recovery and the longer-term sustainability of island life.

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"With the funding now secured, we look forward to seeing the plans develop, once again working in conjunction with our communities and our new Island Plan Local Delivery Groups. I am very much looking forward to getting on with delivering on these proposals and other local projects across our islands."

The £540,000 grant for Visitor Pit Stops – supported by further funding of £60,000 from North Ayrshire Council - will see the redevelopment of island toilet buildings into Visitor Pit Stops - eco-designed buildings with landscaped outdoors space that offer visitors sustainable and efficient amenities.

The buildings will be repurposed to provide a range of facilities and it is anticipated that information and interpretation boards will be provided at each location about traffic, ferries, local trails, heritage, points of interest and alternative things to see and do in the area. These will be roofed where possible with solar power panels and refurbishments inside and out will use natural and recycled materials as far as practical.

With funding now approved by the Scottish Government, consultation and engagement will be undertaken with local communities, stakeholders, and Elected Members on Arran and Cumbrae to help shape the detailed development of the proposals. 

As part of the same rounding of funding – aimed at supporting islands-based projects relating to climate change, population retention and tourism – the Scottish Government has also granted £509,000 for the next phase of the Millport Town Hall restoration to help fund the creation of office and community space, conservation centre, permanent men's shed, and small community garden.

Spearheaded by the trustees with support from North Ayrshire Council, the regeneration of the 144-year-old building can now move on to a critical and important phase of work which secures the building's future.