www.ayrshirepost.co.uk 19.08.2016 7 making plans Hometown boy at fore of bid to revive high streets ‘ has a huge future if we have the courage to build it’ Stuart Wilson £1million transforming the old Clydesdale Bank building into a thriving marketplace and cultural exchange. A team bidding to revive ’s It comes as plans to bulldoze the vacant end of flagging towns is being headed by an the High Street are set to be put before the public. Ayr MSP. Scott added: “Ayr has a huge future if we have And he admits his first task is to put his home the courage to go out and build it. town back on the march to success. “The town’s full potential must be realised, and Tory John Scott is to lead a cross-party group as quickly as possible.” of politicians tackling High Street decline across And Scotland’s Towns Partnership, the agency the nation. which works closely with Holyrood to drive reform, Scott, who will convene the Holyrood unit, insists says the likes of Ayr can be an example to all. that “better promotion and marketing” lies at the Phil Prentice, chief officer of the partnership, heart of his strategy for places like the Auld Toun. said: “Ayr is a sleeping giant, it has great assets And ahead of the long-awaited remodelling of - coast, river and beach, tourism and excellent Ayr’s problem bottom end of the High Street, he connectivity. says it’s time for the talking to stop. “Some of the historic buildings are fabulous Speaking on a walk round his home streets, he and there is the council, college, racecourse, Ayr said: “As with many other towns across Scotland, Central, University and many many more building the town centre of Ayr has struggled for many years. blocks to start making significant improvements. “I want to provide a focal point where the “There is also a lot of culture and creativity in complex issues affecting our towns can be the area as well as food and drink, leisure and examined and – crucially – best practice shared.” entertainment. Scott, who points to the encouragement of new “The town has set the wheels in motion and the business start-ups as another key element, has met journey to follow over the next couple of years will with bosses at Ayr Renaissance, who detailed their not be easy. plans for town redevelopment. “But it will be interesting and worthwhile - it’s Back to the future John Scott MSP (second from left) joins Ayr Renaissance and Scottish towns guru Phil Among their proposals is to spend more than all about partnership and attitude.” Prentice for a walkabout on the High Street Armed forces charity will be quids in now Prestwick St Cuthbert across Scotland getting beginning these events in Golf Club Armed Forces involved. 2012, which have supported charity event raised Organiser, Ian Logan said: lots of good causes.” an outstanding £2913. “Many thanks to everyone And he added: “If anyone All funds raised will support who came along and wants to join or help sponsor local charities and the supported the event. any future events get in Erskine Hospital, with club “We have raised an touch with St Cuthbert Golf members and golf fans from incredible £11,000 since Club.” A fair cop as £1k of drugs seized at crash Police have seized £1000 cocaine after a road traffic collision. Two tubs of white powder were lifted by officers on a rural road at Coylton. Twenty grammes of the illegal substance was allegedly thrown from a vehicle at noon on Saturday. Cops had turned up to reports of a car smash on the B742. An 18-year-old man has been charged with being concerned in the supply of a drug in relation to the incident.