New Cumnock Development Trust (NCDT) have been given a hefty funding boost, thanks to a Scottish Government grant.

A massive £90,951.60 has been granted to the group, to go towards their renovation of the former Trotters building.

The money will be used "to undertake the architectural designs associated with the redevelopment of a derelict building, purchased for the community earlier this year, and intended to become a re-use hub.

"This is part of a wider project to revive the town centre, creating sustainable employment, skills and enterprise opportunities whilst improving the civic space."

The cash was donated from the Rural and Island Communities: Ideas Into Action (RICIA) fund.

NCDT purchased the former Trotters building, a semi-derelict shop in New Cumnock, last year, with plans to turn it into a re-use and repair hub, with new training and apprenticeships opportunities.

It's believed that the whole process could take until the middle of 2025 to be completed.

The original purchase of the building was supported by funding from the Scottish Land Fund, after the NCDT heard that the building was one of the main issues for people in New Cumnock.

Sheena Boyd, business development Manager for NCDT, spoke previously to the Chronicle about how big a boost it will be for the area to have this building transformed.

She said: “I think it will be amazing for the area because when you drive along the main road and see the empty buildings, I think that can paint an unfair picture as to what New Cumnock is like.

“But when people start seeing a plan moving forward, it gives them that sense that things are being done and we’re always looking at how we can improve the community.”