South Ayrshire village makes its mark by becoming area's first Biosphere Community

Ballantrae has become South Ayrshire’s first Biosphere Community.

The historic village, located 12 miles from Girvan on the coast, was awarded the honour, making it the sixth to be designated within Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.

Ballantrae’s Biosphere Community status was awarded due to its community-led organisations, unique natural environment and commitment to sustainability.

Residents turned out in numbers to take part in the Sense of Place workshop in November, pleading their case on what makes their community unique and why their village should become a Biosphere Community.

Stories, initiatives and favourite places were shared at the workshop – covering areas including sustainability, education, conservation and a ‘love local’ ethos.

Villagers highlighted the meeting of land and sea, where locals have fished and farmed for countless generations; birdlife including cormorants, plovers and gulls; tales of smugglers who conducted their trade from hidden caves, and sinister legends such as the Knockdolian Mermaid and cannibal Sawney Bean.

The Ballantrae coast is just one of many spots used to promote the village (Keith Donnachie)

And to promote local life and culture in modern times, residents highlighted forest walks among the Giant Redwoods at Glenapp Castle and Estate – preferably followed by afternoon tea – and the Kings Arms community pub and hub; an 18th century hostelry which is now owned and run by the community themselves.

The Kings Arms community pub and hub is now owned and run by the community themselves (Submitted/Ayrshire Post)

Jenna Cains, community & education lead officer, said: “Ballantrae has a long relationship with the Biosphere, which I have really only stepped into in recent months, but as with all our Biosphere Communities, it has been great fun learning about the village and the area and what makes it unique.

“Ballantrae has such a spectacular coastal location and is swirling with legends and fables, alongside delivering world-class events such as the annual Ballantrae Festival of Food and Drink.”

A dedicated Ballantrae webpage is now live on www.gsabiosphere.org.uk and will be used to promote the village to visitors who are seeking sustainable, slow tourism experiences such as those provided by Scotland’s UNESCO Trail.

A social media takeover in which the Biosphere’s digital platforms are entirely dedicated to Ballantrae for 24 hours will be taking place on Monday, January 24.

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