The upgrade of the dilapidated Trotters building in New Cumnock has been given a major funding boost from the UK Government.

The regeneration plans for the building were among nine Scottish projects to secure a share of a £2.03 million cash award from the Community Ownership Fund.

The New Cumnock Development Trust, which owns the building, is to get £182,073 to help bring the property back to life.

READ MORE: Revamp of former Trotters building in New Cumnock gets fund boost

The Trust purchased the semi-derelict property last year, with plans to turn it into a re-use and repair hub, with new training and apprenticeships opportunities.

It's believed that process of turning the building into the New Cumnock Re-Use Hub - at a cost of £2.3 million - could take until the middle of 2025 to be completed.UK Government Minister for Levelling Up Dehenna Davison said:  “This cash will support great projects that will provide better opportunities for people across Scotland.

"We want people to thrive within their communities, and preserving their local institutions is a vital part of that.” 

The original purchase of the building was supported by cash from the Scottish Land Fund, after the NCDT said the building was seen by residents as one of New Cumnock's main drawbacks.

The scheme secured £1.8 million in January from the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund - less than a month after the project was awarded £91,000 from another Scottish Government funding source.

A report to East Ayrshire councillors in February revealed that of a previous UK Government cash award of £73,860, from the Community Renewal Fund, almost a third - £22,640 - had been handed back.