Scotland: National Rural Network
Connecting Rural Scotland - Promoting Rural Growth

On 1st September 2009, three new staff joined Development Manager Stuart Lindsay to formally launch Ailsa Horizons Ltd, the new rural regeneration company for South Ayrshire. The new team's role is build on the successful track record of the local economic development team that has operated from its base in Girvan since 2002 - initially as a project of the former Social Inclusion Partnership and more recently as a Council project.

The main focus for 2010 - 2011 is to implement the "Enterprising Communities‟ project that is jointly funded by South Ayrshire Council, the Ayrshire LEADER programme, and the local Horizons group. The project will work with villages to carry out community appraisals and produce action plans that communities can take forward.

Activity has already started and community groups and individuals will see the team out and about in many of the communities across South Ayrshire in the not too distant future. Look out for an update on the project being added to this article next year.

What are the aims of Ailsa Horizons?

To engage and empower communities within South Ayrshire, to input into the local decision making process within their communities; identify opportunities for change and implement them and produce village-level long term action plans that communities can individually sign up to. These village-level plans will support the implementation of a higher level economic development strategy that was produced by the Carrick Community Councils' Forum. This Forum was established in 2007 to represent the views of over 20,000 rural people. It is well placed to act as a bridge between local communities and the wider strategies and plans of South Ayrshire Council and the South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership.

• Build the capacity of communities within South Ayrshire
• Increase community pride and citizenship
• Ensure local communities are included in local planning and decision-making
• Improve local service provision
• Build on community knowledge to manage community buildings and projects
• Help community activities move to Social Enterprise models
• Provide funding advice to community groups and organisations

• Provide administration and support to Community Benefit Companies within Ayrshire

Where is it?

Ailsa Horizons is based in Girvan South Ayrshire and works within South Ayrshire and in collaboration with other projects in the wider Ayrshire area.

Who's involved?

Ailsa Horizons currently has a team of four staff - Stuart Lindsay (Development Manager), Julia Whitaker & Sandra Clelland (Rural Regeneration and Enterprise Managers) and Stacy Martin (Programme Support Worker). Ailsa Horizons has a volunteer board of local people, all of whom bring different experiences and strengths to the board.

How is it funded?

Ailsa Horizons is currently funded through Leader Ayrshire, South Ayrshire Council and the Horizons Group. It also generates income from other organisations that require its services and advice.

Contact details

Ailsa Horizons, Knockcushan House, Knockcushan Street, Girvan, South Ayrshire KA26 9AG
Tel: 01465 710628 Email: enquiries.ailsahorizons@live.co.uk 

Website currently under construction.

Editor's note: We'll be revisiting Ailsa Horizons next year to get answers to the questions about biggest achievement so far, challenges faced and tips for others. Watch this space.