Members of the community packed out Centre Stane last week to hear about Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

The capacity audience were treated to a light buffet, demonstrations of traditional skills and a comprehensive series of talks and presentations from councillors, council officers and staff from Historic Environment Scotland who are part funding the restoration scheme.

Following the presentations and a charming musical interlude provided by Mauchline PS Chanter Group, a lively question and answer session followed.

Mauchline CARS aims to update, restore and conserve the town’s historic heart for future generations to enjoy.

Councillor Jim Roberts, Cabinet Member for Skills and Economy, said: “With every CARS project we do, we’ve run training workshops for schools, apprentices and skilled craftsmen, upskilling them to be able to carry out tasks such as stone masonry, lime mortaring, traditional slating and leadwork. Many young people have now taken up new careers in these sought-after disciplines, and with so many historic buildings in the area, they’ll have plenty of work to last them a lifetime.”

For more information and updates on Mauchline’s CARS programme visit http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/mauchlinecars