Troon Community Benefits from Prestigious Sporting Event
In 2024, Royal Troon Golf Club hosted The 152nd Open, organised by The R&A. In order to thank the Troon community for hosting this prestigious Championship, The R&A pledged a package of community support which would benefit local groups and projects.
Working alongside the event organisers, South Ayrshire Council's Thriving Communities - Communities Team identified a variety of projects that met specific criteria and have been awarded funding. The successful projects included a biodiversity initiative at Darley Golf Course; the creation of a wildflower meadow; learning for sustainability courses for pupils at Marr College; and plans for the expansion of facilities for Troon Men's Shed.
South Ayrshire Council's Sustainability and Golf South Ayrshire services are working in partnership with the Scottish Wildlife Trust and local community groups to enhance the biodiversity within Darley Golf Course. The project was awarded £35,000, which will allow a network of habitats for pollinators, birds and other mammals to be established. A series of wayfinding signage will also be erected, further enhancing the safe walking routes which were introduced across the golf course in 2023.
In partnership with volunteers from the Army Cadets, the Council is working to increase biodiversity within Troon. This project was awarded £1,200 in order to establish a wildflower meadow, helping the Army Cadets to achieve their environmental award.
Established as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), Troon Men's Shed are looking to expand their facilities. The group has applied to take ownership of the pavilion located at Hosiery Park in Troon, which is sought through the Community Asset Transfer process. To support the expansion, £5,000 was awarded, enabling the charity to continue developing a range of activities and sessions aimed at encouraging men to take part and improve mental health and wellbeing.
As part of the school's curriculum, Marr College uses the open spaces around Troon in order to deliver on national priorities relating to Learning for Sustainability and Outdoor Education.
The school was awarded £4,000 which will be used to implement the National Progression Award (NPA) Level 4/5 Rural Skills course, providing pupils with the opportunity to develop practical skills required for land-based employability. This funding enables a member of staff to deliver and assess the course within the school, in addition to erecting an outdoor polytunnel and providing course resources. The course will also work in partnership with Troon Allotment Society, who will provide expertise and co-deliver on aspects of the course.
Marr College is also committed to working towards the Scottish Government's Learning for Sustainability Action Plan, aiming to ensure all education facilities are a sustainable environment by 2030. To enhance links with cluster primary schools in Troon towards a more streamlined science education, Marr College deliver a science transition event for Primary 7 pupils. Pupils complete sustainability projects, with the event culminating in a showcase at Marr College, where they present their work, attend an assembly and complete a science experiment.
This initiative was awarded £4,400, which will enhance delivery of lessons, allow opportunities for educational trips to experience the practical aspects of sustainability first-hand and further develop external partnership working.
Leaderr of South Ayrshire Council and Policy Lead for Economy and Strategy, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "The 152nd Open at Royal Troon brought a wealth of activity to South Ayrshire last year and I'm delighted that our local community has received this funding. I'd like to thank our Thriving Communities - Communities Service for working with The R&A to identify these deserving projects.
"The selected projects will help to support mental health and wellbeing, in addition to the local environment which will make a difference to residents of Troon."
South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, Councillor Chris Cullen, said: "The funding awarded to the Troon community is extremely generous and it will make a real, positive impact to the projects and community groups identified to receive this support. Community groups are an essential part of our local areas, providing places of belonging and purpose to many and I'm delighted that they have been recognised as assets to Troon."
South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor William Grant, said: "It's fantastic that pupils at Marr College are benefitting from this funding. Providing courses relating to STEM, with a focus on sustainability, will give pupils a thorough understanding of these topical issues and the practical experience will better prepare individuals for their next steps once leaving school."
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Chief Championships Officer at The R&A, said: "We offer our thanks to the local community in Troon both in the lead up to and during The 152nd Open, with funding to local groups and projects providing a positive legacy to the area for hosting the Championship. Supporting a variety of projects highlights our own commitment to the environment, sustainability and health within communities and we hope these local groups in Troon continue to do the excellent work they are doing."
