CAMPAIGNERS fighting to keep the name of Glenbuck alive have stepped up their activities.

A group got together at the site of the former village before reconvening at Catrine to discuss further plans.

Support is gathering from many sources near and far, including politicians and Richard Stow, now living south of the border.

He said: “ I really think the community needs to go to Community Land Scotland and make a pitch to take over at least Glenbuck/Spireslack/Powharnal for a Community Co operative, in Bill Shankly and Kier Hardie’s spirit.

“I’d be right behind you all and ready to put time in, hands on included, preparing the ground. A workers bothie would be useful.

“I think the Burnside game would be a brilliant move. With the right media contacts it would get global coverage.

“The pitch could be moved a few yards off the most unstable ground if there is room to move it, or just on the most suitable ground as near as possible, if completely impractical on Burnside Park.”

One major and obvious drawback to such plans is the current state of Burnside Park, but campaigners remain encouraged by the input and support they have been getting.

Sam Purdie, who compiled the original document, called Glenbuck-A Fading Page, said: “The latest developments in conjunction with the Catrine Trust, Historic Scotland, East Ayrshire Council,the local MP and MSP are encouraging. We have also had outstanding support from the Chronicle.

“I hope as many people as possible can attend the next meeting when we intend to explore the possibility of setting up a wider trust to include the Heritage of East Ayrshire as well as a documentary on TV.”

Mr Purdie is also concerned about people making plans for a football match, adding: “There has not been a game played on that field for almost 60 years. The field is a bog due to lack of drainage. The tragedy is that all that is required is some simple dredging of the burn.”