SEVEN talking benches, which will form part of a new heritage trail across Ayr, could be in place by the end of the month.

There will be history from a different century at each bench with sounds and local accents from people talking about the ‘olden days’. 

Funding for this venture has come from the Coastal Communities Fund. Cllr Allan Dorans told members of the Fort Seafield and community council of the good news which is hoped will boost tourism and the local economy.

Cllr Dorans said: “Heritage trails have been set up which will include audio about the history of Ayr for many different centuries which will allow visitors to see how Ayr has involved over the years.

“These talks can be downloaded and listened to on a smartphone or an MP3 player from Carnegie Library.”

Three of the sites previously identified included the Auld Kirk, Louden Hall and the Seafront.

David Bell, Managing Director of Ayr Renaissance, previously said: “We want to people to start flowing back into the town and we want them to come here because there is something different for them to do rather than go to Silverburn or Braehead. We want people to visit Ayr for its markets, festivals and heritage."

A Christmas market at the former Clydesdale Bank could also be open for business this December. The building will be part of a three phase construction starting with first and second floor offices, and may be open with a ground floor market for the festive period.

Cllr Allan Dorans continued: “We hope that work on the Clydesdale Bank will be completed by October this year. Offices are underway on the second floor and will bring in business to the town centre.”

The Regulatory Panel met on the February, 21 and approved planning permission for demolition of the Riverside Building. 

Boarding has been put in place and the removal of all internal loose fixtures and fittings as well as fixed items has begun. These are sometimes known as ‘soft structures’ to a professional eye.

During this phase doors and door frames along with other placed equipment such as cupboards will be demolished to leave nothing but the concrete frame.

It has been noted that asbestos is present and special contractors are dealing with this. As the demolition proceeds, artefacts will be displayed if anything is found from archaeological digs on site.

So far £3M has been spend on restoring four buildings in New Bridge Street and dispersed funds to 14 smaller projects, including a grant to Dansarena for roof repairs. 

Due to its success Tamfest is also expanding this year. It is hoped this progress will play a key part in the redevelopment of the town.