GLAISNOCK House is to become a Language and Cultural Centre for Chinese students and entrepreneurs.

The Cumnock landmark will see visitors learning English and being tutored in European culture.

British students and businesspeople will also learn Chinese and more about the vast country.

The scheme will see the building become a one-stop shop for businesses looking to enter the ever-expanding Chinese market.

It is an exciting new chapter for Glaisnock House, which has been empty following a controversial and costly attempt to turn it into an arts centre which failed due to safety reasons in 2007.

Scottish-educated Chinese Entrepreneur Li Peng, Operations Director of UPIC, an investment consortium which involves retail, tourism and education, is involved in the plan. The company provides students to three Scottish universities and three in England but plans to increase this to 30 overall with the Cumnock site as an administration centre.

Mr Li Peng said: “I am delighted to be involved with Scotland on this ambitious development which I am sure will further strengthen Chinese and Scottish cultural and business ties.” It is believed the first phase will see Chinese music students arrive next summer.

In future there are plans for teacher and student exchanges, including schools, as well as increased business development opportunities.

East Ayrshire Council's Economic Development and Planning teams played an important role in helping bring this development to Cumnock.

EAC Chief Executive Fiona Lees said: “This is great news for East Ayrshire and I welcomed the opportunity to meet with Mr Peng on his last visit to hear of his plans for Glaisnock House. “The Council stands ready to support the development in whatever way we can. The regeneration of Glaisnock House as an educational and cultural centre will be a great asset both locally and nationally and we look forward to welcoming students and entrepreneurs from China to East Ayrshire.” List MSP Chic Brodie said: “I have been delighted to be associated in a small way with this very key development for Ayrshire and for Scotland.”