IT’S been a good fortnight for a local group as the good news keeps rolling in.

Just two weeks ago, the Chronicle confirmed that the Auchinleck Community Development Initiative had received a grant of £250,000 from the Big Lottery to create a stunning community garden in the village.

And just a few days later we can reveal that the Scottish Goverment are shelling out £70,000 to help keep their hard-working and innovative Development Manager in his post for the next two years.

Stephen McCarron, pictured right, has been in the role for just over a year but has already helped find jobs for local youngsters and was behind the bumper funding package for the garden adjacent to Quarry Knowe.

And speaking to the Chronicle this week, he said: “I’m loving the job and it’s fantastic that I’ll be able to continue on all the projects that I started.

“There are exciting times ahead and I’m looking forward to the challenges in front of us.” Chair and local councillor Neil McGhee added: “It has been a great couple of weeks for us financially and also in building confidence that we seem to be getting it right...most of the time!.

“We have been informed that the Development Trust Association Scotland via a Govt. source, is funding ACDI’s development Officer post for the next two years. This is vital to the continuity and expansion of the group. The evidence of success of the post is clear to see with recent results and it is imperative that we have the security of another two years support from our officer to ensure we keep moving forward.

“Make no mistake, this position is crucial to the betterment of ACDI and Auchinleck as can be evidenced by our current successes mainly due to the skills and experience of Stephen “This announcement gives us security for the immediate future with an outlook to do even more for the village.” Meanwhile, the group also confirmed that Lynn Brady has agreed to join the board of ACDI as Youth Coordinator. Lynn has already had a meeting to progress the set up of a steering group.

Cllr McGhee added: “This is yet another step forward in the development of Auchinleck, in particular the youth strategy. We are keen to move this on as soon as we can and again look forward to the support of the community.”