With just under 100 days to go until the Olympic Torch arrives on Scottish soil, South Ayrshire Council is warming up, getting ready to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay to the local area.
No fewer than eight local communities are on the torch relay route:, Ballantrae, Girvan, Turnberry, Maidens, Kirkoswald, Maybole, Alloway and Ayr.
The relay offers an excellent opportunity to promote the area and involve local residents from across South Ayrshire in the Olympic celebrations.
Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Tourism and Sport explained: "Welcoming the Olympic flame will be a once in a lifetime chance for many people to see this iconic torch and we really want to help our communities celebrate this fantastic moment.
"We want to put South Ayrshire and our communities firmly on the Olympic map and we'll be sending an application form to each of the 29 community councils, giving them the chance to bid for awards of up to £500 each, supporting events and activities to welcome arrival of the Olympic Torch.
"In areas where there is no community council we're suggesting that another properly constituted body will be able to make a bid on behalf of the community and a form can be obtained by emailing: sheryl.harryman@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or maybe a neighbouring community council might organise a larger scale event to include that area."
As the Olympic clock counts down to London 2012, the Council has launched a dedicated webpage, which will be updated to include a dedicated community section, offering ideas and information as well as highlighting community events.
You can keep up to date at: www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/olympics.
Bids will need to show that events and/or activities are inclusive and participative, foster interest and enthusiasm in the Olympics/the Olympic Torch Relay and must take place between 1 and 17 June 2012.
Councillor Toner concluded: "We're fast approaching one of the most exciting events ever to come to South Ayrshire and I hope everyone will have chance to see the Olympic Torch and take part in a local community activity or event.
"I'm proud the Council is doing its bit to fully support the Olympic Torch Relay and would be delighted to see all our residents marking this truly memorable occasion in style, in the lead up the biggest sporting showcase on the planet."