Locals in Cumnock and the surrounding areas believe there are a variety of reasons holding the area back from "flourishing".

As part of our look into the area's decline in population over the past four decades, and projected decline in the future, we spoke with locals to hear what they had to say about the places they live.

Opinions ranged from the need for more leisure facilities for youngsters, to a need for improved transport links to and from the area.

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Kevin, 31, from Cumnock said: "There's obviously a lost that can be improved about the place, including the need for better transport links.

"I used to go to uni in Glasgow and having to get there from here was a nightmare at some points.

"I can see why people move away from the place for convenience for stuff like that, and when you move away it must be hard to find a reason to come back.

"If I had moved away and found a job elsewhere then I probably wouldn't be living here just now, and I think a lot of people would be like that."

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Tracey, 40, from Logan said: "I think it's a great place to live. Don't get me wrong, it's far from perfect, but there's a sense of togetherness and community  in wee place like this.

"When you grow up in there areas you feel like you belong.

"I think the main improvements it could make would be to bring more stuff for the youngsters to do, like better place parks and activity groups and stuff like.

"Bringing stuff like that would keep them out of trouble and maybe keep people from moving away to places where you get these things."

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Jeffrey, 55, from Cumnock said: "I grew up in Cumnock when I was younger and then I moved away for work, but moved back again with my wife when my kids had grown up.

"I think these places have a certain charm about them, but I think that's more prevalent for people who are from these places.

"I can see why it puts people from out-with these places moving to them. From the outside looking in, it looks like there's not many job opportunities or great education or things like that.

"The place is growing with the amount of big employers there now are and I don't think the place is too far away from really flourishing.

"A bit of common sense investment into things like transport and leisure facilities and things like that could really make a difference."

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Bethany, 48, said: "I've always kind of toyed with the idea of moving away from the place for things like better job opportunities and education and things like that.

"I work in Glasgow so involves me travelling up there three times a week, so moving away from the area and closer to my work would make my life a lot easier.

"Pure remote working must surely be helping the area with people be able to have a better work/life balance.

"I don't think there's anything major that needs done to improve the place. These places have things that big cities don't have and big cities have things that these places don't have. So it really depends on what you're looking for."