Members of the community have voiced their support for the council’s withdrawal of its annual £150,000 Culzean Castle funding – as long as the money is spent on public services and roads.

Last week the Advertiser reported that Culzean will lose its Country Park status next autumn after South Ayrshire Council scrapped its annual funding.

Following our report, people took to our Facebook page to voice their opinions. And a number of people felt that the decision was justified.

Donna Read commented: “It shouldn’t actually receive council funding. It’s not a council owned park. I would love to see the council put a fairer share of its funds into all its towns.”

Margaret Scott agreed: “Sad, but surely the National Trust have to explore how to fill this funding gap. Councils have many other services to provide.”

Steven Mackie said: “Maybe the council could put that money into the roads as I’m fed up driving over potholes around Forehill and Belmont.”

Jill Carmichael added: “That money could be better spent.”

However, some people were angry about the council’s decision.

Paul Burgess described the council’s decision as “shocking and very short-sighted”, while LizBilly McTaggart said it was “scandalous”.

Nick Larkin said that he understood “the need for the council to balance the books”, but added that he was “surprised by several savings decisions, such as this, with its obvious repercussions not only locally but for our vital tourist industry”.