A historic harbour overlooked by a ruined castle, Dunure is a picture-postcard Scottish coastal village with a wealth of heritage to discover.
With the initial focus on Dunure Castle, the harbour and an iconic sandstone light-tower at its entrance, the project will lay the foundations for a wider, heritage-led transformation of the village. Opportunities for the community to get involved are beginning at the same time as specialist surveys and conservation planning for the built heritage are getting underway.
The project will pilot heritage skills training and volunteering opportunities in partnership with Ayrshire College and community organisations. Engagement will ensure people in the village help shape plans through consultations and co-creation activity.
This development project is aiming to lead the way for a further heritage regeneration worth more than £1.1million in investment in Dunure. Proposals will investigate restoring local landmarks, infrastructure improvements and investing in natural heritage, such as a biodiversity plan for the village's Kennedy Park. A new visitor hub at the planned Helm Centre will also be explored.
Chris Chapman, chair of Dynamic Dunure, said: “This represents a significant step forward for Dunure. The development phase enables us to bring together expert knowledge and local insight to shape a project that reflects our community, and protects and breathes new life into the heritage that defines our village.”
