Former Auchinleck Academy student will help restore Mauchline to former glory

Billy Govans, 22, from Sorn is excited to work on the multi-million pound project in the village.

The newly launched Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme is going from strength to strength with the appointment of Billy, as the new Trainee Business Administrator.

With six historically important buildings earmarked for extensive renovation, the scheme will also fund works to revitalise shop fronts and refurbish roofs, rainwater goods and windows in many other buildings in the conservation area.

The Historic Environment Scotland and East Ayrshire Council funding will also support the creation of community arts projects, schools workshops and training in traditional skills such as lime mortaring, slating and heritage joinery for aspiring and existing skilled craftspeople.

Billy admits he didn’t know a lot about Mauchline’s hidden history before he started in early December but he’s now really enjoying learning more about the amazing buildings, nooks and crannies around the village. He said:“I’m so delighted to have a job which will give me an opportunity to use my existing skills and learn new ones, and which gives me a good chance for my future career.

After graduating from college with an HND in Sound Production recently I’d been working in B&M, the hours weren’t really great and it was only part time and it was my family who suggested that I could be good at this job and I should apply, and I’m really enjoying it so far.”

Councillor Jim Roberts, Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure, East Ayrshire Council said:“Billy’s appointment as a Modern Apprentice working on Mauchline CARS is proof that while regeneration is ostensibly about restoring old buildings, it’s really all about people.

"Projects like Mauchline CARS create opportunities for learning, training and working toward a better built heritage.