The historic conservation village of Ochiltree has become a Biosphere Community - the fifth to be designated within Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and the first in Ayrshire.
The creation of Biosphere Communities allows villages and towns across the region to explore what is special about their locality and the attributes that most inspire community pride.
As part of the process, residents were invited to take part in a ‘Sense of Place’ workshop where they shared local stories, favourite places, and thoughts on what makes their community unique.
Within days, villagers had submitted text and photographs for a dedicated Ochiltree page on the Biosphere’s website. This will promote the village to an international audience who are looking for sustainable, slow tourism experiences such as those provided by Scotland’s UNESCO Trail.
Jenna Cains, Community & Education Lead Officer for the Biosphere, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the community of Ochiltree in recent weeks and we look forward to doing much more as the relationship grows.
“During the Sense of Place workshop the GSAB team learned so much about the village, its history, and the unique features that make it a fantastic destination in East Ayrshire. Most of all, it is the local community spirit that really brings the village to life.”
Biosphere Communities promote local life and culture in modern times, and Ochiltree people chose to spotlight food and drink enterprises such as Boswell’s Coach House, The Bakery Box, and Morton’s Milk.
Ochiltree Community Hub was also celebrated as a place where all ages can meet, eat, learn and have fun, while for those seeking rural tranquillity, the landscapes around the village offer “calm pools or rushing rivers; wild woods or flower covered paths.”
As the relationship with the Biosphere grows, residents will be able to call on the team for help in developing community initiatives and promoting special events, too.
Ed Forrest, Director of the Biosphere, added: “It is a key priority for us to expand the Biosphere Communities scheme in Ayrshire, and we believe it is a pioneering model from which the wider world can learn.”
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