Community organisations from across East Ayrshire convened at celebration events in Kilmarnock and Cumnock to mark the completion of a wide range of locally led regeneration projects.

Backed by the Scottish Government's Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP), which ran from 2021 to 2026, the area benefited from over £5 million invested in 102 initiatives. Each scheme was conceived and driven by local groups, supported by East Ayrshire Council's Community Led Regeneration team.

Although the PBIP funding period has concluded, additional support from the UK Government's Pride in Place Impact Fund has enabled a further 19 projects to be identified for delivery.

Attendees gathered to share outcomes aimed at improving everyday life for residents—enhancing accessibility, wellbeing and local pride—while reflecting on what worked well and what could be learned for future community action.

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Councillor Graham Barton, of East Ayrshire Council, said: "What struck me so strongly at these two events was the enthusiasm and energy of all those who’d successfully driven these projects to fruition.

"It takes a lot of determination and dedication to apply for and work through the process of making a difference to your local community, and these people have all shown us a great example of what can be achieved if people work together for the common good.

"Whether it's a tiny hamlet needing a footpath cleared to make access easier for those with pushchairs and wheelchairs, or a bowling club needing new toilets, a roof needing repaired or a small business struggling to afford a shopfront makeover, these grants can make all the difference.

"While some of the obvious successes are visible to all, like the Darvel Corner – with its beautiful covered area, landscaping and Sir Alexander Fleming Mural - or the incredible new facilities at Take a Bow in New Farm Loch, or whether it’s less obvious work - like urgently needed repairs to worn out buildings - every penny spent has been thought through, meticulously researched and planned and will be sure to make a difference to so many people both now and in the future."

While the programme's core purpose was to restore and renew local infrastructure, organisers emphasised the lasting value of the collaboration it fostered among community groups and volunteers.