South Ayrshire Council News

Working Even Closer With The Voluntary Sector Council helps GCDL to go Sailing Ahead

Girvan Community Developments Limited has rebounded from the shock and disappointment of recently missing out on Lottery Funding for the Ailsa Craig Centre.

And, while they have not given up on that project, the community owned company have vowed that it’s business as usual and have gone a step further by having ambitious plans for a yacht haven approved by South Ayrshire Council.

During the Regulatory Panel meeting of Thursday 15th November, the scheme was unanimously approved and councillors were vocal in their praise for GCDL and the opportunities a yacht haven would bring to the area.

Speaking at the meeting, Alison McCarroll, GCDL Project Officer, said: “The facts are that this development will bring tourism and money to Girvan. Girvan harbour is a natural stop off point for leisure sailors and serious yachts people alike.

She continued: “GCDL is enthusiastic about complying with the conditions of the approved plans. We will make sure that this development can go ahead in a way that brings most benefit to the whole community. GCDL’s vision is to work towards a brighter future for the economy, community and heritage of the area. The benefits of the proposed Haven will spread beyond Girvan, to the surrounding villages and all of South Ayrshire”.

Nan McFarlane, chair of the Regulatory Panel said: “I am delighted that these plans have been approved. Sailing is a fast growing pastime and I am convinced that a yacht haven in Girvan will have a positive impact on the town and on the Carrick area generally. I wholeheartedly support this project and all credit to GCDL for bringing it forward.”

Stuart Lindsay of Girvan Horizons commented: “Sailing comes just behind golf in terms of the amount of money brought into the Scottish economy each year. It is big business. Our plans for the haven in Girvan are part of a bigger initiative for the Clyde Estuary as a whole. Scottish Enterprise is working on proposals for an extra 2,700 berths in the Clyde. Our haven is part of that and I'm really happy that South Ayrshire Council’s Regulatory Panel has approved the plans.”

He continued: “Obviously, the fact that GCDL's Girvan Gateway project will not get funding from the Big Lottery's Living Landmarks programme is a blow. It means that the project will need to be broken down into smaller components that the community can take to various funders. The major components are the new Community and Visitor centre and the Yacht Haven. Horizons will continue to work with GCDL and the wider community on each of these initiatives.”

Local councillors Ian Fitzsimmons and Alec Oattes, both members of the GCDL Board said: “We are delighted the plans were approved. Girvan needs ambitious projects to drive the area forward and we are committed to making sure that the people of Girvan continue to benefit economically and socially as well as building on the opportunities the areas has to offer local people, visitors and tourists alike.