Rural Study - Rural Ayrshire and the Isles of Arran and Cumbrae (Annex C) Review of Capital Assets Prepared by In collaboration with RURAL AYRSHIRE AND THE ISLES OF ARRAN AND CUMBRAE CONTENTS Page SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION Preface 2 Map of Cluster Areas 3 Review of Local Characteristics 4 Summary of Key Attributes 5 Development Issues 5 SECTION 2 REVIEW OF CAPITAL ASSETS North Ayrshire Overview 8 NA: North Coastal Area – Cluster 1 9 NA: Garnock Valley – Cluster 2 25 NA: The Cumbraes – Cluster 3 38 NA – Arran – Cluster 4 41 East Ayrshire Overview 49 EA: Glasgow Link Corridor – Cluster 1 50 EA: Irvine Valley – Cluster 2 65 EA: Cumnock Link Corridor – Cluster 3 78 EA: Doon Valley – Cluster 4 99 South Ayrshire Overview 112 SA: Prestwick Greenbelt Corridor – Cluster 1 113 SA: Maybole & North Carrick – Cluster 2 129 SA: Girvan & South Carrick – Cluster 3 140 APPENDIX 1 MAP OF MAJOR ROAD LINKS 158 APPENDIX 2 MAP OF RAIL NETWORK 159 APPENDIX 3 MAP OF BROADBAND CONNECTION 160 Review of Capital Assets 1 RURAL AYRSHIRE AND THE ISLES OF ARRAN AND CUMBRAE INTRODUCTION As part of the baseline study of Rural Ayrshire, an assessment has been undertaken of the capital assets of the area that can be used to support the local economy. The assessment has drawn together information in relation to the transport links; public facilities; broadband connections; commercial and industrial space; tourism; and development opportunities. It is recognised that at present there is no definitive source of information on the Capital Assets for Rural Ayrshire. The study has therefore had to draw on a range of information sources that are publicly available including: . Review of the Development Plans for North Ayrshire; South Ayrshire and East Ayrshire. Review of Commercial/Businesses . Review Tourism Research Data . Review of Current Community/Public Facilities (Local Authority) In order to gather information and analyse the capital asset position, the study area has been broken down into distinct clusters of communities based on local synergies and connectivity. The clusters have covered: North Ayrshire Cluster Towns/Villages Cluster 1: North Coastal Area Skelmorlie – Largs – Fairlie – West Kilbride - Seamill Cluster 2: Garnock Valley Kilbirnie – Beith – Dalry - Glengarnock Cluster 3: The Cumbraes Millport Cluster 4: Arran Isle of Arran East Ayrshire Cluster Towns/Villages Cluster 1: Glasgow Link Corridor Dunlop – Stewarton – Kilmaurs - Knockentiber Fenwick – Waterside - Moscow Cluster 2: Irvine Valley Hurlford – Galston – Newmilns – Darvel - Priestland Cluster 3: Cumnock Link Corridor Muirkirk - New Cumnock – Cumnock - Auchinleck Catrine – Mauchline - Stair Cluster 4: Doon Valley Dalmellington – Bellsbank – Waterside - Patna Dalrymple - Drongan South Ayrshire Cluster Towns/Villages Cluster 1: Prestwick Greenbelt Loans – Dundonald – Symington – Craigie - Monkton Corridor Tarbolton – Failford – Annbank – Mossblown - Coylton Cluster 2: Maybole and North Dunure – Minishant – Maybole – Kirkmichael - Crosshill Carrick Straiton Cluster 3: Girvan and South Maidens – Turnberry – Kirkoswald – Dailly - Girvan Carrick Barr – Ballantrae – Lendalfoot - Pinwhirry An outline of the clusters within the rural areas and connections is set out below: Review of Capital Assets 2 RURAL AYRSHIRE AND THE ISLES OF ARRAN AND CUMBRAE Review of Capital Assets 3 RURAL AYRSHIRE AND THE ISLES OF ARRAN AND CUMBRAE REVIEW OF LOCAL CHARACTERISTICS Comparative analysis of the areas highlights the distinctive nature of the rural communities in Ayrshire – not homogenous clusters of communities. This includes: North Ayrshire . North Ayrshire comprises of a range of different rural areas with different challenges and issues. Arran (Scotland in miniature) that has successfully developed its brand/identity; developed a range of local businesses including Arran Cheese, Arran Aromatics; Arran Beers; etc. Also has significant tourism related activity. Challenge is to continue to build the local economy and maximise the opportunities for the area - based on an island economy. The Cumbraes are facing greater challenge of building its economy – mainly tourism related based on day visitors to Millport. Good transport links to the mainland but need to build local infrastructure and opportunities. Coastal communities of Largs; Skelmorlie; Seamill etc. Viewed as relatively affluent areas and location for retirement. Economy based on tourism including sailing. Ongoing challenge of building the tourism economy and developing the area as a visitor destination. This area also includes West Kilbride that is a good example of town centre regeneration. The area has been developed and marketed as a Craft Town – opportunity to continue to develop this brand and activity. Garnock Valley – former industrial areas including Kilbirnie; Beith; Dalry; Glengarnock. Following the closure of local industries in the 80’s – Garnock Valley Initiative was established as a partnership between Local Authorities; Scottish Office; and SDA. Focussed on economic and social regeneration of the area. Ongoing issues of deprivation facing some parts of the area and requirement for further regeneration. East Ayrshire . Range of distinctive communities across East Ayrshire. To the North, the communities of Dunlop; Stewarton; Kilmaurs; Fenwick etc. These areas are well connected to Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ayr. Primarily residential areas with people commuting for work. Irvine Valley – former industrial areas linked to mining and weaving. Limited economic activity within these areas and significant challenges of how to regenerate these communities. Need to improve transport linkages. Opportunities also exist if proposals for Loudon Castle progress as a major tourist facility. Mauchline; Catrine; Cumnock; New Cumnock areas. Former industrial areas with work being progressed to regenerate these communities. New tourist related facilities being developed including Dumfries House and Catrine House. Opportunity to develop these facilities further. Improved transport links with Express bus service to Glasgow. Review of Capital Assets 4 RURAL AYRSHIRE AND THE ISLES OF ARRAN AND CUMBRAE . Doon Valley – Former mining areas. Work being progressed to regenerate the areas – using natural environments as an asset. Transport links are poor with main route back into Ayr. South Ayrshire . Range of small towns and villages. Good tourism infrastructure around a number of the areas with major attractions such as Culzean Castle; Turnberry; etc. Main issues emerge further south with areas such as Maybole and Girvan requiring attention including support for town centre regeneration and building the local economy. SUMMARY OF KEY ATTRIBUTES It is evident from the review that the rural areas of Ayrshire, including Arran and Cumbrae, have a number of key attributes in terms of capital assets. This includes . An area of high quality natural environment that is an attractive area for people to live and visit. Extensive coastline and island communities that add to the scenic quality of the area and provides additional amenity. Improving transport infrastructure including the development of the M77; bus and rail networks. Expanding Renewable Energy Programmes including major wind farm developments in key areas. Established tourism infrastructure including some major visitor attractions; activity based facilities; and accommodation. Excellent range of golf facilities – 47 golf courses in Ayrshire and Arran with 50% located within the rural area. Ayrshire and Arran has one of the finest collections of golf course in the world and supports circa 500 jobs directly in golf related activity. Some attractive and vibrant town/village centres. Extensive range of community facilities and public buildings. DEVELOPMENT ISSUES It is also recognised as part of the study, that further investment is required to develop the capital assets of the area to support the development of the rural economy. These include: . Transport Infrastructure – Despite the improvements in the transport infrastructure, it is recognised that further development is required to improve connection and access to transport in key areas. Further investment is required to develop the transport infrastructure and develop sustainable transport solutions. This could include the development of community transport. Business Accommodation – The review has highlighted the requirement for further development of business accommodation in key rural areas. This will include the development of additional incubator space; accommodation for SMEs/social enterprise. Detailed feasibility work will be required, but there may be an opportunity to explore the development of additional business accommodation as part of the asset transfer approach and service re-provisioning by public bodies. Review of Capital Assets 5 RURAL AYRSHIRE AND THE ISLES OF ARRAN AND CUMBRAE . Broadband/Connectivity – Significant gaps in broadband coverage across rural areas. Future roll-out of broadband coverage will be important to support the development of the rural economy. Golf Tourism – Recognised that golf tourism present a major opportunity for the rural economy. Work is currently being progressed by Ayrshire and Arran Golf Development Group to examine how this activity can be grown and developed. External consultants have been appointed to undertake a detailed review of the breadth and depth of the golf product across the region, and building on the already strong presence and quality of experience of golfers, look to see how to generate even more