UK Government minister for Scotland, John Lamont, visited New Cumnock recently alongside local representatives for an update on an ongoing community project.

Plans have been approved for a new community café, pop-up shop, flexible craft rooms, craft store and office space at the former Trotters building in the town.

Various funding avenues will allow the New Cumnock Development Trust (NCDT) to transform the derelict building- including £182,073 from the UK Government's Community Ownership Fund.

READ MORE: Design team reveals update on plans for New Cumnock Trotters building

New Cumnock Development Trust (NCDT) has already secured funding from a variety of sources to give the derelict building a new lease of life.

This also includes £1.8million of Scottish Government funds, towards a total project cost of upwards £2.5m.

Cumnock Chronicle:

New training and apprenticeships opportunities are also set to be available at the new building.

It's thought that the whole process could take until the middle of 2025 to be completed.

Speaking about the visit, UK Government Minister for Scotland, John Lamont said: "It was fantastic to hear about the brilliant work the New Cumnock Development Trust is delivering with the help of £182,000 funding from the UK Government's Community Ownership Fund to bring sustainable development to the area.

"Seeing the building and meeting the volunteers and service users gave me insight into how the New Cumnock building will benefit the community through the training and apprenticeship opportunities with the café, shop, and workspace, creating an important space for the public to use and enjoy. 

"The UK Government is committed to helping communities rejuvenate their towns and cities as part of more than £2.9 billion to level up across Scotland."