The Scottish Government has awarded a £5.2 million grant to JST Services (Rail), some of which will be used to meet the costs of constructing a new railhead at Barrhill in South Ayrshire and a custom built freight train.

Convener of South Ayrshire Council's Rural Communities Committee, Councillor Hywell Davies said: "This is wonderful news. It should significantly improve the quality of life for local people in Barrhill, Pinwherry, Straiton, Kirkmichael, and Girvan.

"By transporting more freight by rail there should be less damage caused to the roads which is expensive to repair, less congestion on the roads which will improve road safety, and in addition benefit the environment. It should indirectly also benefit people in Troon and Ayr, where the timber is taken for onward transportation and distribution, and tourists travelling in South Ayrshire."

The Council has already allocated £104,400 from its capital budget in 2006/07 towards the Scottish Strategic Timber Transport Fund for the construction of road junctions and associated signage where forestry roads meet the public roads in the Barrhill area of South Ayrshire.

The Executive has given another transport company WH Malcolm, who operate in South Ayrshire, a grant of nearly £600,000, and it will be used to transport plasterboard by rail from Cumbria to its new rail facility in Paisley.

Councillor Davies added: "The Council is working closely with many organisations to improve a range of transportation facilities used by businesses in South Ayrshire. However, I am very aware that a balance has to be struck between preserving the quality of life in rural communities and letting businesses flourish."

February 2006