Dunure's Living Heritage Project Moves to Development Phase

Issued 29/06/26

A project to safeguard, celebrate, and regenerate Dunure's unique heritage has reached an important milestone thanks to South Ayrshire Council, National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and Dynamic Dunure.

Dunure's Living Heritagehas moved to the development phase following an award of £180,936 from NLHF and £300k allocated by the council. Dynamic Dunure is also in the process of securing £50k towards the project but with the majority of the funding in place, it's full steam ahead!

Running until September 2027, the development phase hopes to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive heritage-led regeneration of Dunure.

As part of the development phase the project team will conduct specialist surveys and conservation planning for key heritage assets, including Dunure Castle, the historic harbour, and the iconic sandstone light-tower.

There will also be pilot heritage skills training and volunteering sessions in partnership with Ayrshire College and local organisations, supporting employability and community engagement.

The community will feed into the project through consultations and co-creation activities, ensuring local voices shape the future of Dunure's heritage.

Upon the successful completion of the development phase, the project will seek to progress to the four-year delivery stage, with a potential delivery budget exceeding £1.1 million. The delivery phase would see:

·      Restoration and conservation of the B-listed harbour, light-tower, and historic buildings.

·      Enhanced footpaths, car parking, and biodiversity improvements in Kennedy Park.

·      A vibrant programme of heritage events, skills training, and volunteering opportunities for all ages.

·      The creation of a sustainable visitor experience, supporting local businesses and community pride.

There would also be installation of new interpretation boards and interactive displays at the planned Helm Centre. The centre would be built in Kennedy Park, becoming a hub for visitors and residents and showcasing local history and culture. The Council has already committed over £2 million towards the construction of the Helm Centre.

Councillor Alec Clark, Depute Leader and Commercial/Operational Services Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council whose remit includes tourism said: "This development funding is a game-changer for Dunure. It allows us to plan and consult thoroughly, ensuring that our heritage is protected and celebrated in ways that benefit both residents and visitors. We are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and all our partners for their support."

Councillor Chris Cullen, Leisure and Community Services Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council said: "I am proud that we are supporting this vital project. Dunure's Living Heritage project shows that investing in our heritage can bring people together, create new opportunities, and strengthen our communities. The development phase will ensure local voices are at the heart of every decision, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have for years to come."

Derek Chapman, Chair, Dynamic Dunure said: "This represents a significant step forward for Dunure. The development phase enables us to bring together expert knowledge and local insight to shape a project that reflects our community, protects and breathes new life into the heritage that defines our village, and ensures it is carefully safeguarded and passed on for generations to come, while creating new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

"I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to the Provost of South Ayrshire for his leadership and strong support for this project. I also wish to pay particular tribute to our dedicated volunteers, whose passion and commitment have been at the heart of this journey, alongside South Ayrshire Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and all Dynamic Dunure members—past and present—whose support has made this milestone possible."

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: "The wealth of heritage at the heart of Dunure underpins its identity, its character and values. Heritage connects people to place and helps build communities. It also offers opportunity for sustainable economic regeneration, boosting the local economy through skills, tourism and a genuine pride in place.

"Thanks to National Lottery players the Heritage Fund will support South Ayrshire council to work with the community to develop a detailed, heritage-led regeneration plan for Dunure delivering long-term, sustainable improvements based on the heritage they cherish."

Dunure harbour - light-tower - Eddie Telford, Ayr Photographic Society