A historic property is to be saved from ruin after the owner received £128,000 worth of funding from East Ayrshire Council.

‘The Path 4 to 8’ in Dalmellington is listed in the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland.

Work started to restore the 19th century sandstone building back in November and the council had originally donated £100,000 to the projectbut East Ayrshire councillors voted to give an extra £28,000 last week.

The decision was made because of “additional unforeseen project costs,” according to a council paper presented to cabinet.

It is estimated repairs needed will cost £271,686 with the owner paying more than half of the amount.

Susan Coughtrie has been granted planning permission to renovate The Path in an effort to bring it back to its former glory.

The building has been empty for 40 years.

Council chief governance officer David Mitchell said: “We don’t go into this blind.”

A council report said the “owner expressed an interest in repairing and refurbishing the property for residential use”.