A SPECIAL event is to take place in Ochiltree later this month to launch two community tourism initiatives in the area.

The event has been organised to celebrate the renewal of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire's UNESCO Biosphere status.

Ochiltree became Ayrshire's first biosphere community back in 2021.

Taking place on Sunday, August 20, the event includes the launch of community tourism initiatives that were designed and informed by the local community, the Lugar Water Walk and the Heritage Walk.

Groups will be walking to the Barony A-Frame, guided by the Ayrshire Rivers Trust, then bussed back to the Ochiltree Community Hub for food, with music provided by The Cumnock Tryst.

READ MORE: Ochiltree becomes Ayrshire’s first Biosphere Community

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere covers an area of more than 5,000 square kilometres across SW Scotland, incorporating parts of South Ayrshire and East Ayrshire, as well as Galloway.

The creation of Biosphere Communities allows villages and towns across the region to explore what is special about their locality and the attributes that most inspire community pride.

The August 20 event runs from around 11am until 2.30pm.

The afternoon promises to be a wonderful celebration of the past, present and future of East Ayrshire as part of the UNESCO Biosphere.

Tickets for the event are available to book for free online.

Go to https://bit.ly/3QjS79l to book your spot.