A Cumnock man has launched a bid to see if the people of Cumnock want the Baird Institute open for longer and more often.

Michael McPake has met dozens of people who have travelled from across Ayrshire to visit the museum only to find it closed.

Now Michael has placed letters in shops and businesses across Cumnock to find out if there is support in the area for his ideas.

Michael told the Chronicle: “I’ve spoken to people from Ayr who travelled up by bus to visit the Baird and find it closed.

“They have put up a new sign outside and it has no opening times on it.

“The legacy of John Baird was for a place for the people of Cumnock to meet, socialise, read papers, have a cup of tea. In other words, he wanted people to interact and raise awareness of local issues.

“Unfortunately, the Baird is only open three days a week and a lot of people are turned away if they do not come at the correct day or time. I want to make people aware about this and to make it a wee meeting place if people need it.

“East Ayrshire Leisure don’t need to put a cafe in or sell tea/coffee. The exhibits are good for schools but they never change. If you’ve been once, you’ve seen it all.

“I’ve spoken to the Cumnock Action Plan and they’ve said they’ll assist me if the community is supportive. I’ll even bring the coffee.

“I would love to see more activity in this historic building. I think it’s a crying shame when you see vandalism to this beautiful building.

“Anyone who would like to have a guid old gab about this can contact me in confidence on 07932 393 384 or e-mail michael.mcpake244@gmail.com"

Adam Geary, East Ayrshire Leisure's Cultural Services Manager said: "The Baird Institute has been operating Thursday – Saturday for a number of years and continues to grow visitor numbers.

"It is a much loved facility and holds the stories and artifacts of the area. We continue to present attractive and high profile exhibitions alongside rotating displays of collections that are relevant to the local area.

"The Baird Institute is one of our accredited museums and plays a significant role in our museums' estate. We have no plans to increase the opening hours at present and feel that these hours provide the optimum time that meets tourist and local users needs.

"I would urge readers to pop in and see what it has to offer. Our current exhibition titled: Industry and Local Science explores the work of William Murdoch from Lugar amongst others. It runs till December 16 and, as ever, is free."