THE team at Ochiltree Community Hub (OCH) are steadily gaining supporters as D-Day nears.

Their fan club membership was boosted by the visit of South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle who joined them for an informal meeting.

OCH chairman Alex Baird confirmed that Mr Whittle will be more than happy to support them moving forward.

Mr Baird said: “He has also put a motion forward in the Scottish Parliament which was backed by 15 MSPs.

“Mr Whittle was also positive about our projects in health and well being, healthy eating, fitness and sport.

“It links in well to what he is trying to do in promoting these things as well.

“We had a chat about how he got into politics and where he wants to make a difference.

“He has promised to make a return visit — and bring his guitar with him next time.”

When he does go back, it is possible that OCH will have their last piece of funding in place.

They await a decision on an application for £261,000 from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

“We are nearly there and should have a decision by February.

“This is one fund I will be disappointed if we are successful in applying to.

“There have been encouraging words from everyone we have been working with.

“Another boost has been the input of our volunteer members. Some of them have great experience in these matters and are picking up on things that the rest of us may miss.”

“If everything goes well, we can apply to East Ayrshire Council, pay them £29,000 and the land is ours.

“Everything is in place, with contractors ready to start work as early as possible.”

OCH is also in contention for a grant from the Tesco Bags Initiative and will receive £4,000, £2,000 or £1,000.

Mr Whittle said: “I’m hugely impressed by the plans for Ochiltree Community Hub.

“The group have put in a massive amount of work to get them to this point and it was a pleasure to hear about their work first-hand.

“The ambitions they have for the hub are exactly what Ochiltree, and communities like it, need.

“The hub will provide a great modern, flexible space that provides opportunities for people of all ages to meet, learn and have access to a range of services.

“I look forward to working with the group as they continue to develop their ideas for what the hub can provide.”