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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ryan Thom

Concerts, markets and key events to be hosted in brand new Ayrshire venue

Ayr's new £5m events space has set sail this week.

The Cutty-Sark, named by primary pupil Esme Noble, has officially been unveiled.

On Thursday the official ribbon was cut on the dedicated space, which council chiefs say cost £5m.

And Ayr Grammar P6 pupil, Esme was on hand to see her idea etched onto new centre, which is set to become a hub for concerts, markets and key town events.

Esme won a competition in her school to name the centre.

The bright schoolgirl settled on the Cutty-Sark after being inspired by Burns poem Tam 'O Shanter, with Cutty-Sark the name of the witch's nightie.

Star pupil: Esme took inspiration from Burns to name the new centre (Alasdair MacLeod/Ayrshire Post)

Esme said: "When I heard that I had won the competition I was shocked and happy.

"It feels really good to know that I have named a building in Ayr. I had been to Rozelle and saw the paintings that tell the story of Tam 'O Shanter.

"Next day in class we were thinking about our ideas for the competition. I remembered the Cutty-Sark, which was the witch's nightie, and thought that was a great name."

Chief tourism councillor Alec Clark said the new centre will play host to 'pop-up markets.

Riverside views (Alasdair MacLeod/Ayrshire Post)

The Tourism and Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "The new space including The Cutty-Sark Centre, will support a programme of events throughout the year, such as pop-up markets.

"Now that the project is complete, we can secure the various licences required to make that happen."

Councillor Brian Connolly, Sport and Leisure Portfolio Holder for the Council believes the centre will "breathe new life," into the bottom of the High Street.

He said: "From the consultation in 2018, it was clear that the public wanted a space which could host a range of events and we have realised that ambition.

Council officials were excited as the new centre was officially opened (Alasdair MacLeod/Ayrshire Post)

"I have no doubt it will breathe new life into this part of the high street and draw people back into the centre of Ayr."

As well as inspiring local schools the project also provided opportunities for college students.

Councillor Martin Kilbride, Building, Housing Environment Portfolio Holder congratulated Esme for winning the competition.

He said: "The construction project has also given young people at Ayrshire College the chance the learn new skills."

Ayr Grammar pupil Esme was front and centre of the grand opening of the Cutty-Sark Centre (Alasdair MacLeod/Ayrshire Post)

Michael Ross, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Councils development partner hub South West added: "We are delighted to have played our part in delivering this fantastic facility and add to a long line of successful projects we have completed for South Ayrshire Council."

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