A HISTORICAL beauty spot in Lugar has been handed back to the community after months of hard graft to renovate it.

‘The Spoot’ has been given a much needed facelift by kind individuals who set out to breathe new life into the natural spring.

The grassroots project started off as brushing moss of sandstone before it progressed to a full revamp.

Cumnock Chronicle: 'The Spoot' was left negelcted for years.'The Spoot' was left negelcted for years.

The ribbon was cut by Lugar resident John Johnstone on Saturday, June 20, one day and two months from the start of the work.

John Baird, 45, a furloughed explosives supervisor, was desperate to salvage his favourite Lugar haunt after seeing it fall into neglect.

He told the Chronicle: “Back in April, a few of the Lugar community took it upon themselves to give a facelift to a much loved beauty spot which had been neglected for years.

Cumnock Chronicle: The flag designed by local kids now flies high over Lugar.The flag designed by local kids now flies high over Lugar.

“Two months on we have created a beautiful riverside spot where people can sit and enjoy the surroundings.

“We are immensely proud of what we have achieved.

“We owe a great deal of thanks to all our community for their support and kind donations to help make this a success.”

The Chronicle recently told how local kids had the chance to take part in designing a flag to fly over the newly improved site.

Fallon McGinn, eight, was the winner with her design chosen by a vote of 35 residents.

Cumnock Chronicle: The community have been brought together by the project.The community have been brought together by the project.

But in a slight twist, the 10 other entries were added to the opposite of the flag to give the young entrants credit.

The flag was kindly donated by James, Sharon and Kieran Robb.

A duck race was also held on the opening, with the money raised going to help Lugar Bowling Green.

Cumnock Chronicle: John Baird took to the water to help the duck raceJohn Baird took to the water to help the duck race

John added:”It turned out to be a superb day for the community, maybe just what was required in current times.”

  **********************

Scotland is in lockdown, shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We’re not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Cumnock Chronicle, and the vital local news service we’ve provided since 1901 is under threat.

Please consider supporting the Cumnock Chronicle  in whatever way you can – by paying just 90p for a copy of the paper, when you’re shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.

Thanks - and stay safe.