East Ayrshire Council has won three awards at the recent Scottish Awards for Planning which was held in Edinburgh.

The eleventh annual awards received a total of 39 entries from throughout Scotland, in four distinct categories: development plans, development management, development on the ground and community involvement. The judging panel, chose the Kilmarnock Conservation Area Maintenance Guide as Overall Winner. The Outdoor Access Toolkits also won an award while the Barony 'A' Frame Restoration Project won a commendation.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: "I am delighted that the Council has been recognised by the Scottish Government and the Royal Town Planning Institute. The Conservation Maintenance Guide is a key part of the Kilmarnock Town Centre Regeneration Strategy and provides information to property owners on the importance of their building. As has been reported previously, work is progressing well with the strategy and the new look Kilmarnock Town Centre is starting to emerge with the help of action from the Council, and specifically Planning and Economic Development.


"The Barony 'A' Frame Restoration project is an excellent example of partnership working with Council officers working closely with the Barony 'A' Frame Trust to create a lasting memorial to the men who lost their lives while working at the mine. The project has also preserved a unique structure for future generations and helped to educate young people about East Ayrshire's proud industrial past.

"The Outdoor Access Toolkits is also a great example of partnership working. The toolkits were developed by Officers from our Council and North Ayrshire Council to help create Core Path Plans. The toolkits were handed out to local groups and organisations who then audited the existing access opportunities in the area. This engaged local people in the consultation process and encouraged more people to get involved."

(CD/JM)