Published: Wednesday, 17th March, 2010 3:07pm

Council Gives Events Cash Thumbs Up

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Major tourist events in Cumnock and Doon Valley have been given the green light at East Ayrshire Council.

Committee members hosting Mauchline's Holy Fair and Cumnock Highland Games are celebrating after funding of £12,500 and £10,000 respectively was approved at cabinet.

Last year's special Homecoming Holy Fair event, headlined by the Red Hot Chili Pipers, attracted more than 15,000 to the village and saw the creation of a half-ton monster haggis. And this year's ninth annual event hopes to put on an even more outstanding show for all on Saturday May 29. But this year's main stage performance has yet to be decided. President of Mauchline Burns Club, Bill Sharpe said: "We're absolutely delighted with East Ayrshire coming back to Mauchline with funding for the Holy Fair. This year will be a normal Holy Fair but it will be just as spectacular for all ages."

The Cumnock Highland Games run by a group of dedicated volunteers has become one of the key cultural events in East Ayrshire. And Secretary for Games Committee, Jim Macmillan is delighted that funding for their fifth event has been given the go-ahead. He said: "I'm over the moon. We've had reduce the event this year but the Committee will pull out all the stops to ensure it's a day not to be forgotten at Broomfield this August (Sunday 22)."