ROBERT Burns’ fabled engagement spot is among the areas which are to be significantly upgraded in South Ayrshire by a volunteer-led community improvement project.

South Ayrshire Paths, a group of local volunteers dedicated to promoting the development, upkeep and public awareness of paths in the area, received an Improved Community Paths grant of £1,500 from Scottish charity, Paths for All.

The organisation aims to improve existing infrastructure along an ancient path, in the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Ayr Gorge Woodlands reserve, which is rumoured to be the location of Robert Burns’ engagement to Highland Mary.

Working in partnership with the Scottish Wildlife Trust and South Ayrshire Council’s Outdoor Access Officer, the group will be repairing wooden steps along the current path.

Colin Clark, the chairman of South Ayrshire Paths Initiative, said: “We’re all eager to restore a significant part of Ayrshire’s history, so we were delighted to be awarded the grant from Paths for All to help us do this.

“The route is incredibly scenic and can be enjoyed in all seasons. It’s our hope that restoring features like the deteriorated wooden steps and installing new way-markers will make the path accessible to more walkers.

“We’ll be carrying out the work alongside volunteers from the Scottish Wildlife Trust and will have completed the project by February next year, when there will be an official opening of the improved route.”