Local Development Plan 3
We are starting to prepare a new Local Development Plan (LDP) for East Ayrshire and we want you to get involved!
Public Consultation on our LDP3 Evidence Report
At this stage in the plan process, we are looking to hear your views on the places in East Ayrshire where you live, work and spend your time. This will help us to understand and evidence the issues that you think should be addressed in the LDP3.
Share your thoughts
Available on Engagement East Ayrshire, you can share your thoughts with us using our:
The survey is based around the Our Place: Place Standard Tool, which asks participants to rate different aspects of their local area from 1 (worst) to 7 (best).
The outputs will then be used to create a profile for each of East Ayrshire's places, showing their particular strengths and opportunities for improvement. Compass diagrams, like the examples below, will be used as a visual aid to show the results for each place.
Link to survey: Engagement East Ayrshire: LDP3 Engagement
Holy Fair 2025
The Mauchline Holy Fair for 2025 is set to be the event of the year for the village, a full week of activities throughout the village. Everything from Murder Mystery Nights, Dances and Folk Acts to Authentic Football Matches.
The main event will take place on Saturday 31 May from 11am to 5pm.
To find out more visit the Mauchline Holy Fair's website and follow their social media platforms to keep updated.
Let’s talk about property maintenance!
Did you know that as part of Mauchline CARS we have created an easy to use guide for property owners to support them in maintaining their property?
Our Management and Maintenance Plan (MAMP) is an easy to use guide for all property owners to refer to when considering what scheduled maintenance should be completed. Within the MAMP you will find advice on how and when to maintain your property, what faults to look for and the tools required to survey your property’s condition. There is also useful advisory guidance from Historic Environment Scotland related to each area of repair and maintenance.
Download a copy of our MAMP (PDF 621 KB) to support your property maintenance needs.
If you have any specific maintenance concerns related to your property please do not hesitate to contact us at CARS@east-ayrshire.gov.uk
Archaeology Scotland 2025
In 2024 we collaborated with Archaeology Scotland to deliver a suite of educational and engagement projects. We are happy to share with you we will be hosting an additional dig in the summer of this year.
The dig will be held from Thursday 5 June to Saturday 7 June, with excavations planned for behind the arch on Loudoun Street next to the Fairburn Hotel. This site was once a historic entrance with gate house to the former Netherplace Estate.
If you would like to join please email Andrew Jepson, Archaeology Scotland Project Officer, to book your free place. Email: a.jepson@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Read our Fieldwork Brief (PDF 998 KB) for further information.
Live projects update
You may have noticed some of our current property projects have taken a little longer than initially anticipated.
This is due to some properties requiring unforeseen additional works, as a result of the building’s condition.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these extended timescales. Please be assured we are working closely with our applicants and professional partners to ensure works proceed where possible.
Street lighting update
As you may recall we previously gained additional grant funding via the Place Based Investment Programme to fund the replacement of our street lighting across Loudoun Street, Loudoun Street Car Park, Mauchline Churchyard and the medieval lanes.
Following detailed surveys completed by Ayrshire Roads Alliance it was revealed that replacing the lighting across Loudoun Street would carry multiple complications and challenges. This would also most likely exceed the budget we had allocated for the project.
We understand these findings are disappointing, however we are happy to share we have managed to progress matters related to all other aspects of the planned lighting update. We aim to progress works towards the replacement of the current street lighting within Loudoun Street Car Park and replacement and repair to lighting across the medieval lanes and Churchyard.
With the support of Ayrshire Roads Alliance and East Ayrshire Council's Procurement team we have now gained costings for the works via a competitive tender process. Following review of this we will be in a position to progress works and appoint the preferred contractor. We hope to instruct these works within the next few months, however we will do our best to update you of any progress.
View our updated map highlighting the improvement works (Image 977 KB)
Mauchline Primary School Project
We were recently made aware of a very interesting project being completed by the young people of Mauchline Primary School where they were asked to build a model of an old building they liked from our wee village.
We think this is a great project and a fantastic way to engage the young people of the area with our historic buildings.
We have:
- Sophie-Ann’s model of the Burns Memorial Tower
- Reeva’s model of Poosie Nansies
- Leon’s model of the Burns Memorial Tower
- Harper’s model of Poosie Nansies
We think they are all brilliant! Well done to Sophie-Ann, Reeva, Leon and Harper!
Visit Mauchline CARS Facebook or Mauchline CARS Instagram to see pictures of the young people's models.
Would you like to join Mauchline CARS Steering Group?
A key factor into the successful operation and completion of any CARS is the voice and direction of the community.
Our Mauchline CARS Steering Group comprises members of our local community, some of whom also support other local groups.
As our project enters a new phase of its journey, with the start of works to grant applicant's properties, we would like to invite more people to join our group.
As a member you are required to attend bi-monthly evening Microsoft Teams meetings.
During these meetings we share an update on the project to date, consult with our members on matters currently being reviewed and ask our members to share their views and feedback on any matters arising.
If you are interested in joining us please email CARS@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.
Mauchline CARS winter update
We would like to wish you all a Happy Holiday this festive season and the very best for the New Year.
We have experienced some great progress across 2024, from educational projects to our grant aided property repair projects becoming live and contractors starting on site.
Read our latest Winter update StayConnected Bulletin for a full summary of what Mauchline CARS has achieved this year.
Mauchline projects Live!
We are thrilled to share with you that we have now progressed multiple Mauchline CARS applicants to the stage of contractors being appointed and sites becoming active.
During these works you will notice scaffolding being erected around the village. These structures may affect the footpaths and in some occasions traffic flow or roads. During this time we apologise for any inconvenience caused, and thank you for your understanding.
If you see us on site please feel free to stop by and say “Hello”, we will be happy to update you on the project’s status and anything else we are working on at the time.
Read our Mauchline CARS Live Projects StayConnected Bulletin for further updates and pictures.
Mauchline Autumn Update
Considerable progress has been made lately within Mauchline CARS, including:
- contractors appointed for grant applicant's properties
- additional funding secured
- public realm improvements, and much more
Read our Autumn Update via StayConnected
Mauchline CARS Summer School 2024
Due to the success of our last summer school in 2023, we were happy to support a second instalment in 2024.
This year the young people of Mauchline took part in Parkour, Dance and Music Making. Learning about their local heritage focused around the Ballochmyle Sandstone Quarry.
The Summer School was funded by Mauchline CARS and delivered by East Ayrshire Council's Creative Minds Team. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved, we hope the young people enjoyed the event and learned interesting facts about Mauchline's history.
View photographs from the Mauchline CARS Summer School 2024 event
Mauchline ECHO August article
Within our August article for the Mauchline Echo you will find out about our recent progress including; additional funding secured, community support and progress with some of our Public Realm Improvements.
Read our August article for the Mauchline Echo (PDF 207 KB)
Mauchline ECHO April article
Within our April article for the Mauchline Echo you will find out about our recent collaboration with Archaeology Scotland and the educational projects they are delivering on our behalf to the young people of Robert Burns Academy.
Read our April article for the Mauchline Echo (PDF 246 KB)
Public Realm survey closing
Please be advised our recent Public Realm survey is scheduled to close on Friday 23 February at 5pm.
We thank all who have completed the survey to date. If you still plan on completing please note the following links for further information:
Mauchline CARS launches Archaeology Scotland educational programme 2024
We are pleased to share with you that Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) began a collaboration with Archaeology Scotland Team in September 2023, through assistance from East Ayrshire Council's Creative Minds Team to create a programme of educational projects.
A cohort of young people from Robert Burns Academy will be involved in the following projects, organised by Archaeology Scotland:
- Archaeological Excavation project
- Graveyard Survey
- Historic Building Recording
Visit our dedicated webpages to find out more regarding each project
Mauchline CARS Christmas Newsletter
We are happy to share with you that 2023 has been an extremely productive year for Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), we have managed to achieve some great milestones over the past 12 months.
We wish our community, friends and partners a happy holiday and a joyful New Year.
Read our Christmas Newsletter to find out more about what Mauchline CARS have been able to progress this year.
Read the Mauchline CARS 2023 Christmas Newsletter
Mauchline CARS Extension approved
Following some great progress in the last year within Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) we have unfortunately still experienced delays outwith our control.
As a result of this we have approached both our funders Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and East Ayrshire Council, and are now happy to share with you that we have received confirmation that we have been approved a year-long extension, meaning Mauchline CARS will now complete on March 2026.
At this time we thank both Historic Environment Scotland and East Ayrshire Council for their ongoing support in the success of Mauchline CARS. We would also like to thank the ongoing support and understanding of our community, partners and friends.
Behind the scenes we have been busy progressing a number of grant funding applicants and public realm improvements proposals. Follow our social media platforms to ensure you are kept updated on all our progress.
Mauchline's Parkour Summer School
Working with professional dance artists, Louise Chudleigh and Carrie Craggs and expert Parkour tutor, Scott Houston, participants created a repertoire which was carried out at iconic locations across Mauchline.
The young people worked with digital specialists Prancing Jack Productions to capture footage on a journey around the village showcasing the wonderful heritage we have in our own town.
Visit our Summer School webpage to watch our Parkour video.
Mauchline Community Action Group need you!
In support of our colleagues at Vibrant Communities and the Mauchline Community Action Group we would like to share with you the Community Action Plan Questionnaire.
The previous Community Action Plan (CAP) recently expired and the Mauchline Community Action Group now need your views on the village to compose a new plan for the future. These plans are crucial to support successful places to live, work and enjoy and the residents views are therefore the foundation to achieve this.
If you haven’t already, please visit the links below to complete the survey:
Limited spaces remaining within Mauchline CARS Training Courses
Our free training courses are filling up quickly, enrol now to avoid missing out. The courses available include:
- Traditional Joinery for Windows and Doors - Limited spaces available
- Traditional Masonry - Fully booked
- Traditional Scottish Slate Roofing - Fully booked
- Traditional Signwriting - Fully booked
Each course will be hosted in venues in and around Mauchline, courses will be supplied by our partners at the Scottish Lime Centre Trust (SLCT). If you still plan to attend please visit our Training Project webpage and follow the enrolment link.
Visit our Training Projects webpage to sign up now.
Mauchline Heritage App cohort meeting
We recently met with the cohort of Young People from Robert Burns Academy who are producing our Mauchline Town App.
Read more about our initial meeting.
Mauchline street furniture improvements
In preparation for the Holy Fair this year we recently completed a small improvement to our public realm with thanks to East Ayrshire Council's Greener Communities Team.
The Greener Communities Team have completed improvement works to all railings and bollards across the A76 portion of the Conservation Area. We think they look great, what do you think?
Let us know on our Facebook and Instagram.
See some of the improvements on our Facebook page.
Article 4 and Removal of Deemed Advertisement Consent
Furthermore we are happy to share that our request for Article 4 and Removal of Deemed Advertisement Consent has also been approved by Ministers. The removal of these areas of " Permitted Development" will ensure further protection and enhancement to our historic environment and safeguarding the improvement works being carried out by Mauchline CARS.
With the approval of this it means that several types of development or advertisements will now require permission from the council which previously did not.
Read our frequently asked questions about the Mauchline Conservation Area (PDF 868Kb), including a map to which the proposals apply.
Article 4 and Removal of Deemed Advertisement Consents will be advertised in the Chronicle this week and will be formally adopted as of below:
- Article 4 – Friday 7 April 2023
- Removal of Deemed Advertisement Consent – Monday 1 May 2023
There will also be letters issued by East Ayrshire Council to all properties within the Conservation Area to advise them of these upcoming changes. These should be received within the next two weeks.
View our Conservation Area Map to see if your property is included (PDF 1.54 Mb)
Mauchline Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP)
A great milestone to mark the progress of Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS). Mauchline CARS instructed their Conservation Accredited Architects at Wylie Shanks Architects in 2020 to prepare the Mauchline Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP).
This was then formally adopted by East Ayrshire Council on Monday 27 March 2023 as a material consideration in the determination of applications for planning permission and statutory historic environment consents within Mauchline Conservation Area.
Read more about the CAMP within our "Downloads" page
Mauchline CARS submits their first planning applications
We are delighted to share with you an important milestone within the journey of our Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS). We have officially submitted multiple Planning Applications to East Ayrshire Council including our very own Mauchline CARS Office. These applications were compiled with thanks to Wylie Shanks Architects our Conservation Accredited Architects via instruction of Mauchline CARS grant applicants.
With this important milestone we are hopeful that further progress can be seen this year with many property owners progressing through the stages of getting consents, tendering the works, obtaining grant funding based on tendered costs, and appointing contractors to undertake traditional repair works to their buildings.
Further updates regarding the stages of properties will be shared when possible.
Mauchline CARS Christmas Newsletter
It is hard to believe that we are nearly at the end of 2022. It has been a very busy and productive year behind the scenes for the Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).
We wish our community, friends and partners a happy holiday and a joyful New Year.
Read our Christmas Newsletter to find out more about what Mauchline CARS have been able to progress this year.
Read the Mauchline CARS 2022 Christmas Newsletter
Mauchline ECHO December article
Within our December article for the Mauchline Echo we discuss our recent appointment of the Scottish Lime Centre Trust (SLCT) as our Traditional Building Skills training provider and course we plan to establish in 2023.
Read our December article for the Mauchline Echo (PDF 444Kb)
Mauchline CARS Training Programme
As you may be aware a key objective within the Mauchline CARS was to increase the knowledge in traditional building skills and we are happy to share with you that we have now confirmed a Traditional Building Skills Training Programme with the Scottish Lime Centre Trust (SLCT). This will include four courses which are currently at the early stages of planning and dates for commencement are yet to be confirmed.
Read more about our planned courses.
Mauchline Conservation Area Appraisal
Are you aware of the Mauchline Conservation Area Appraisal (CAA) which was published in 2019?
This is a great reference document for all property owners within the Conservation Area and also for anyone who may have an interest in the history of our little village
Read the Mauchline Conservation Area Appraisal (PDF 5.08Mb)
Mauchline CARS colour palette
Prime development in central Mauchline was from the mid-18th century to early 20th century, half of the Georgian period and all of the Victorian period.
Due to the fashion at the time and the affordable paint pigments that were available, the traditional Victorian colour palette was dark with rich shades of maroon, red, burgundy, chestnut, dark greens, browns and blue.
Download our specially curated colour palette to aid you in choosing an appropriate paint colour for your property and its features.
Mauchline Colour Palette (PDF 1.05Mb)
Mauchline community action plan needs you!
In support of our colleagues at Vibrant Communities and the Mauchline Community Action Group we would like to share with you the Community Action Plan Questionnaire. The previous Community Action Plan (CAP) recently expired and the Mauchline Community Action Group now need your views on the village to compose a new plan for the future.
These plans are crucial to support successful places to live, work and enjoy and the residents views are therefore the foundation to achieve this.
Complete the Mauchline Community Action Plan online survey to have your say.
For further information email Heather Mcvie Branley at Heather.McVieBranley@east-ayrshire.gov.uk
Article 4 and removal of deemed advertisement consent
If you own or lease a property within the Conservation Area of Mauchline you will have recently received communication regarding recent progress with Article 4 and Removal of Deemed Advertisement Consent.
Read more about this proposal on our consultation page.
Proposal documents
View or download the following proposal documents for the Mauchline Conservation Area:
Consultation
The consultation is open until 4pm on Friday 29 July 2022.
How to comment online
We would appreciate your feedback on this and ask that you please complete our Mauchline Conservation Area Consultation Survey.
Email
We will also accept representations via email to localdevelopmentplans@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.
Mauchline CARS launches Property Maintenance Plan
We are pleased to announce the launch of our property Maintenance and Management Plan (MAMP), an easy-to-use guide produced in collaboration with our Conservation Accredited Architects at Wylie Shanks Architects. The guide can be used by all property owners to keep track of their properties maintenance needs.
Within the guide you will find advice of when and how frequently you should be checking all aspects of your property. Also included is external advisatory documents and guides produced by Historic Environment Scotland.
The MAMP is available for download from our Downloads webpage, hard copies are also available to collect from the Mauchline CARS office.
Download our Maintenance and Management Plan 2022 (PDF 621Kb) to assist you in appropriate property maintenance.
Mauchline CARS donates to DEC
We are pleased to share with you that thanks to our fundraising efforts during the Holy Fair, Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme managed to raise £180.00 towards the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Your donations will support the DEC charities provide food, water, shelter and healthcare to refugees and displaced families.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who contributed and supported this cause with us by purchasing the 'Old Mauchline' book or the "Cumnock Cookbook" on the day of the Holy Fair. Thank you!
Find out more about the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
Mauchline ECHO June article
We are pleased to announce we will be hosting a regular feature within the Mauchline Echo, our local village magazine. We aim to include any relevant updates of Mauchline CARS progress as well as any projects we are currently working on.
Read our June article for the Mauchline Echo (PDF 198Kb)
Mauchline receives community payback
We have been very busy behind the scenes working with many organisations receive some support in sprucing up our little village.
We have been working closely with Michelle and her team for Community Payback work, Vibrant Communities, David at Greener Communities and Lawrie at Outdoor amenities.
Read more about what was achieved and see before and after pictures.
Join us for a Property Maintenance and Management evening
We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming Property Management and Maintenance evening on Monday 6 June from 6pm until 8.30pm at The Centre Stane, Mauchline.
Find out more about what we have planned for our Property Maintenance and Management evening by reading our latest newsletter.
Complete our online form to note your intention to join us.
Calling all of Mauchline’s Mini Artists!
We are so excited to share with you all our upcoming competition where we are inviting all the Mini Artists of Mauchline to share a piece of art work depicting their favourite old building within our town.
We recently teamed up with Mauchline Primary School for an in-house competition with the winners art work being used in our marketing for the Holy Fair competitions. See Amber's winning drawing of Burns House Museum below, this will also be used on our social media platforms and posters around the town. Well done Amber!
Read more about our Mini Artists competition.
Are you interested in the upcoming work opportunities in Mauchline?
If so we'd love to add your details to our Heritage Trades Directory.
Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) is giving grant support to property owners both private and business for the restoration and repair of historic fabric in traditional buildings.
Works may include:
- masonry and roof repairs
- replacement and repair of
- timber windows
- doors
- cast iron rain goods
- shopfront improvements
- timber signage
- decorations including sign writing
If you would like to be considered for addition to our Directory then please register your details with examples of your works by emailing CARS@east-ayrshire.gov.uk
We'll make our Directory available to property owners who are planning to carry out property improvements under Mauchline CARS.
We'll also share your details with East Ayrshire's Trusted Traders and they'll be held within their 'Heritage' sector.
Registering for our Heritage Trades Directory does not guarantee work, nor does it indicate that East Ayrshire Council approves of any contractor who registers.
To register with our Heritage Trades Directory you must also register and have a profile with Trusted Traders. For full information on their vetting process and requirements from contractors please visit Trusted Trader: East Ayrshire vetting process.
Have your say on our proposed lighting improvement plans
As part of Mauchline CARS we are committed to completing a range of Public Realm improvements.
Working with Ayrshire Roads Alliance we now have an opportunity to jointly fund the upgrading of the current street lighting. Therefore, our first potential improvements will be to the current street lighting.
The first phase we are considering for lighting improvements is Loudoun Street, car park, churchyard and lanes (Image 264Kb).
We are currently considering two styles of lighting (Image 127Kb) to be used within the Mauchline Conservation Area.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Complete our online survey to share your views.
The survey closes on Friday 8 April 2022.
Restoration and repair of original sash and case windows
Within Mauchline there are a number of properties which still have their original sash and case windows intact. These windows play a vital part in the overall aesthetic of the Conservation Area, and therefore a person's experience within our town.
On this note, we are happy to share with you, if you currently own a property with the original sash and case windows, you could be eligible for grant funding to restore them.
This is just one aspect of grant funding for which your property may be eligible. Our Mauchline CARS Conservation Accredited Architects Wylie Shanks can also advise on any other repairs or restorations required.
If you would like to discuss this matter further please complete an online Expression of Interest application form and a member of the Mauchline CARS team will contact you.
Mauchline CARS virtual update
On Wednesday 26 January 2022, we held a virtual update on Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS). Within the update we held two presentations.
First by Darran Littauer-Dolan, Mauchline CARS Project Officer, who provided a general update on the progress of Mauchline CARS to date and detailed any questions attendees had submitted.
Read more of Darran's presentation on Mauchline CARS (PDF 1.18Mb)
Second by Wendy Corrigan, Conservation Architect for Wylie Shanks Architects, detailing the progress they have made with individual property surveys, the Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP) and more.
Read more of Wendy's presentation on Mauchline CARS (PDF 3.46Mb)
Mauchline CARS Christmas newsletter, 20 December 2021
During this year we have been able to progress many of our initial expressions of interest forward to their design stage.
We have collaborated with Mauchline Primary School and the Creative Minds Team to produce the "Rabbie Road" Project and so much more.
Read more about Mauchline CARS in our Christmas newsletter
Mauchline CARS appoints new Project Officer, 16 December 2021
My name is Darran Littauer-Dolan and I am your new Project Officer for Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), following the retirement of Lynn Rew.
Previously I was employed by Glasgow City Council, I have a degree in Urban & Regional Planning and qualifications in Architectural Conservation, Interior Design and Graphic Communication.
I have a keen interest in restoring and conserving buildings having carried out a number of my own housing restorations. I have moved into a traditional house in the town which you can read more about in my newsletter bulletin.
Read our Mauchline CARS update, 9 September 2021
Despite the interruption of COVID-19, here at the Mauchline CARS project we have been busy working on the next stage of our plans to regenerate the town's historic buildings.
And now we'd like to ask for your help. We are giving you the opportunity to give us your views and to shape the future of Mauchline with a number of community engagement initiatives.
Have your say on our latest Mauchline CARS update
Previous updates about Mauchline CARS
Mauchline CARS background
Mauchline CARS Steering Group celebrate the launch of the Mauchline scheme
Application for funding
In November 2018 we submitted an application for funding from Historic Environment Scotland's Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) for funding for a number of projects in Mauchline's historic heart.
Background information
The Mauchline CARS will help building owners with grants to conserve and repair historically important buildings using sympathetic materials and methods, making them fit for purpose in the 21st Century.
It will help fund:
- historic fabric repairs for priority projects
- a small grant schemes for multiple properties, including building repairs and shopfront improvements
- a wide range of community activities, potentially including an ‘Artist in Residence’
- training for professional craftspeople, construction workers and the wider community
- public realm conservation and restoration
The CARS funding comes in part from Historic Environment Scotland and East Ayrshire Council, with a contribution from owner of the premises themselves.
In March 2019 the bid succeeded.
Read our press release: Mauchline set for multi-million pound facelift.
