South Ayrshire Council has approved the transfer of ownership of the former Pinwherry Primary School.

The building will now be in the possession of Pinwherry and Pinmore Community Development Trust (PPCDT), a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

PPCDT have exciting and ambitious plans to redevelop the former village school to a sustainable, multi-purpose and accessible community-centred facility which will boast a community hall, kitchen, office space and meeting room.

The school closed its doors in 2011, after being in the community for more than a century.

It is anticipated that this valuable new facility will deliver a wide range of

benefits for the local community.

These include improved social activities for all ages; development of services to help reduce isolation and loneliness among elderly residents; services for young people; and the generation of space and facilities to enable local business growth.

PPCDT will also benefit from a £107,000 capital grant from the Council’s Advancing Community Assets Fund.

“This will be used to complete essential repairs required for the main building and nursery annexe building.

Councillor Brian McGinley, Portfolio Holder for Resource and Performance said this week:“We’re committed to working with partners to support our communities by making the most of our local economy.

“I’m really pleased that the building looks set to bring benefits to many people in the local community”.

Councillor Ian Cochrane, Portfolio Holder for Environment said: “We want to make South Ayrshire a better place to live, and we’re helping to create strong, successful, sustainable and effective communities through the Community Asset Transfer process.”

PPCDT Trustees said: “Pinwherry and Pinmore Community Development Trust are delighted that our community asset transfer application to South Ayrshire Council for the purchase of the former Pinwherry School, has been approved.

“This news is a real boost to the communities of Pinwherry and Pinmore and, we believe, is a fitting tribute to our late Chair, Peter Walker’s, legacy in driving the project forward to this stage”.