Doon Valley Railway: Fund-raising bid to stave off eviction threat

The Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group (ARPG), operators of the Doon Valley Railway, say they were given notice earlier this year of their landlord's intention to sell the buildings at their site near Dalmellington.

They've now launched a bid to raise quarter of a million pounds to buy the buildings they currently lease and use for the museum, café, shop and toilets, as well as workshops and storage. 

Buying the buildings would allow the popular venue to continue to operate as it is.

However, they must raise this money by the end of July, or risk having the site sold and even being evicted from the property, depending on who takes over.

MSP Elena Whitham was supporting the cause. (Image: Doon Valley Railway)

To try and reach their goal, the ARPG are launching a 500 Club, inviting 500 businesses to donate £500 each and the group would create a roll of honour for companies that donate.

An ARPG spokesperson said: "The sale of these buildings and land will put the ARPG at serious risk due to lack of other storage on site.

"Many of these areas and buildings are utilised frequently by our committed volunteers and during open days and other special events by our amazing customers and visitors who support us. 

"ARPG are in communications with the owner, who has expressed the wish for ARPG to purchase and take on ownship of these buildings in order for our brand 'Doon Valley Railway' to continue to grow, so all is not lost - but we must receive your help.

"ARPG offers wide range of opportuities to those aged 16-80 years, we are fully committed to our local and wider community which now stretches the length and width of the UK.

"We want to continue to preserve, restore and maintain Doon Valley and Scotland's railway heritage for many years to come."

You can find out more about the Doon Valley Railway and support their cause online at doonvalleyrailway.co.uk.