Ayr’s guinea pig rescue centre receives much needed funding from community award.

They were awarded £600 as part of the Ayr South and Coylton Community Fund.

The centre is Scotland’s only animal sanctuary that specialises in the medium-sized rodents and was in desperate need of cash.

A spokesperson said: “As an animal rescue centre we rarely ever have the chance to receive any funding, in fact, this was the first. Generally we survive on donations handed or sent in.

“We were granted just over £600 which is truly amazing. We were in complete shock when we were told this.”

Until recently the rescue centre was operating out very small premises.

But after a generous donation of extra space they were able to expand the operation, which as well as housing rescued piggies also acts as a kind of wellbeing centre, often welcoming children and adults for pet therapy purposes.

The operation relies on the kindness of donors and funding awards such as this one will allow the centre to renovate the newly acquired extra space.

On their use of the funding, they said: “We badly need electrical work done, insulation done, along with a little plumbing and of course seating.

“ This money will really help get the electrics and hopefully the insulation started, if not finished.”

They added: “We are all so excited with this as without it, our dream would possibly take years to fulfil bit now we can look forward to hopefully having most of the work done by the summer and have official areas for people to come for help or just to have a sit down for a cuddle.

“We cannot thank the community enough for voting for us and can’t wait to get started.”