What was Mauchline CARS?
Mauchline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, (CARS) was a heritage led regeneration scheme for Mauchline which ran from 2019 and concluded in 2026.
The scheme was funded by Historic Environment Scotland and East Ayrshire Council and provided property owners, within the Mauchline Conservation Area, with the opportunity to apply for grant funding for building repairs, re-instatement of architectural detail and shop front improvements.
Download a larger version of our Mauchline Conservation Area Summary Map (PDF 1.54 MB)
What was the aim of Mauchline CARS?
The aim of the scheme was to maximise and sustain the economic potential of Mauchline’s Culture and Heritage assets through:
- the restoration and repair of six key historic buildings bringing them, where necessary, back into productive and sustainable use.
- a small grants scheme to enable and encourage private owners to carry out urgent repairs on traditional and older properties.
- a small grants scheme for shop front improvements
- public realm works
- an education and training programme for those involved or wishing to be involved in the traditional construction industry
- a programme of community participation and learning to increase people’s understanding and appreciation of heritage
What were the principles behind the scheme?
The general principles behind the Mauchline CARS scheme were:
- to adopt proven traditional building techniques based on analysis of the causes of defects and an understanding of the historic development of the building
- to avoid unnecessary damage and avoid replacement of sound historic fabric
- restore architectural detail and heritage features based on appropriate evidence
- safeguard the future of the building with regular maintenance
What grants were available?
Grants available were:
- large building repair grants of up to 90% of eligible costs for priority building projects
- small building repair and shopfront improvement grants for properties within the main commercial areas of Loudoun Street, Earl Grey Street and Kilmarnock Road – grant rate 75% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £25,000
- small grants for the re-instatement of architectural detail – grant rate 75% of eligible costs up to a maximum of £15,000
What work was eligible?
Historic building repairs
Structural and external repairs to historic buildings including repairs to roofs, masonry, external doors and windows.
Re-instatement of architectural detail
This may include ornamental metal work, decorative tiling or timber or stone details where the building is otherwise in good condition or will be repaired as part of the project.
Shopfront improvements
Where works restore or contribute positively to the built heritage of the Conservation Area.
What work was excluded?
Work excluded:
- routine maintenance and other minor repairs
- alterations, extensions and internal work
- demolition of historic fabric
- upgrading and renewal of services, including underground drainage
- stone cleaning and other similar treatments
- works underway prior to approval of grant
