PLANS to give Girvan's economy a boost have been unveiled - and the woman charged with the job says she can't wait to get started on efforts to improve the town.
Zanne Domoney-Lyttle has been named as a 'local facilitator' for the town by Scotland's regeneration forum, SURF.
Zanne, who is no stranger to Girvan, will lead on activities designed to improve the town for residents and visitors.
She was previously a project officer with Go Girvan and has also worked in the past for the Barr Community SCIO and the Girvan-based Adventure Centre for Education.
SURF, a national charity that promotes the regeneration of places with economic challenges, runs an ‘Alliance for Action’ programme.
Zanne said: "I am really looking forward to engaging with local groups in Girvan, and helping projects progress and develop for the benefit of the community.
"This is an excellent opportunity for myself and for Girvan.
"I am excited about the possibilities my position with SURF brings."
The programme has supported local communities in diverse places, including Dunoon, Langholm and the Govan area of Glasgow, to progress their regeneration plans and aspirations into tangible improvements.
The part-time Girvan Facilitator post is initially funded for two years.
In the new role, Zanne will help support local partners in the development of a range of practical regeneration activity.
Following a series of consultation activities, including towards the 2021 Girvan Place Plan and a new place-based strategy for Girvan, SURF will support enhanced collaboration on locally identified priorities, and help the town to respond to its current challenges by accessing opportunities and resources.
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In her new role, Zanne will provide a wide range of services, from general advice and guidance, to specific support on project development, funding, and building partnerships, all of which are tightly focused on locally identified priorities for revitalising the town.
Zanne will work closely with local community groups and with South Ayrshire Council, and will receive ongoing support from the core SURF staff team, based in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
SURF policy manager Derek Rankine said: “Zanne has a keen passion for Girvan and is ideally placed to support positive change on a number of fronts.
"The recruitment panel was impressed with the depth of Zanne’s track record in community development, project management, fundraising and partnership working.
"Zanne has an excellent knowledge of local players and dynamics. We are delighted with the appointment.”
Councillor Bob Pollock, economic development portfolio holder for South Ayrshire Council, said: “It’s an exciting time to be involved in the regeneration of Girvan.
"We are keen to work with as many partners as possible as we push towards improving the town’s public spaces, historic buildings and making the most of all that Girvan has to offer.
"Congratulations to Zanne. I am sure she will hit the ground running.”
This summer, Zanne will be engaging with Girvan stakeholders to discuss the nature of support that SURF can most usefully offer to local groups.
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