SHOPPERS in Cumnock will get an early Christmas present this year — a new supermarket.

That was the message delivered by Michael McLaughlin of Braithwaite Group, the company building the new 10,000sq ft store as well as five additional units for rent.

Behind the boards at the site of the former crumbling Glaisnock Centre, much has being going on as Cumnock’s regeneration takes shape.

And the journey reached a crucial stage last week with the completion of foundations and start of steelwork erection at the Farmfoods site, right in the heart of the town centre.

Council leader Douglas Reid was joined by local councillors Jim McMahon, Billy Crawford, Jacqui Todd and Walter Young as they met site manager, Mr McLaughlin.

When complete, Cumnock town centre will be transformed with additional parking and new shops completing the picture.

Designed to fit in with the local architecture, and blending in with the town’s historic buildings and the parade of seven shops built on Townhead Street by East Ayrshire Council, the new development will bring a fresh look to the town.

Mr McLaughlin said: “Farmfoods will be open for Christmas – that’s our plan. Like Farmfoods, Braithwaites is a family owned firm, and we’ve had a great relationship with them going back many years. When we work with the company we do everything from site work up to the final fit out.

“It’s a sign of the confidence the company has in Cumnock and Scotland that they’re putting money into these developments.”

Mr Reid accepted that the process has taken some time, meaning it has been quite a difficult time for the town.

He added: “From starting to negotiate the termination of leases and acquisition of shops in the old precinct, to getting the funding, designs and permissions has not been easy time. At the same time though, many of Cumnock’s historic buildings have undergone extensive restoration thanks to our Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) grants.

“So to get this development underway is the icing on the cake, the final piece in the jigsaw, a whole new look for Cumnock Town Centre. Part of the development includes a new path along the river, linking to the footbridge to Rothesay House, opening up new access and providing a pleasant oasis.”

Alistair Kay of Farmfoods said they had been working hard with the council.

“The new shop will have over a hundred freezers and our full range of great quality frozen food, branded groceries & household items, all at amazing prices. We can’t wait to see you and your family and friends there,” he added.