PUPILS from Ayr Academy worked with a local blacksmith to craft two huge gates which now guard King’s Arms Close near the river.

The project, from the Ayr Townscape Heritage Initiative, was designed to provide real world traditional skills training.

Six young people attended a series of workshops at Morrell’s Forge in Maidens, where they received hands-on training in tools, materials & fuels, design and manufacture, and health and safety.

Alannah Beveridge, sixth year at Ayr Academy, was one of the young people involved. She said: “It’s the first time I’ve ever done anything like this before and to be able to see something you’ve made right out on the street is brilliant.

“We learned so much during the project and I couldn’t be happier with the end result, with our work on show for all to see.”

Blacksmith, Anthony Morrell said: “This was a great project to be part of and the young people were fantastic to work with.

"They weren’t just chipping in to make this gate, they really did it themselves; they made the parts, bent them, shaped them, put it together. I think the end results speak for themselves."

The group of enterprising pupils have left a permanent legacy in Ayr town centre after learning new skills and making their mark.

Lyndsay McRoberts, Headteacher at Ayr Academy, said: “We’re committed to providing our young people with broad experiences and this project was a unique opportunity to develop skills, while also leaving a lasting legacy in our community.

"Everyone involved has direct experience in manufacturing, something which makes the jump between learning and developing skills, and an invaluable experience as they look to enter the world of work."