Historic Holmston House could finally be saved from ruin after years of lying vacant with workers on site at last. 

The former poor house and hospital in Ayr is in the hands of new owners.

Planning permission was previously granted for dozens of homes as well as a care home and the grounds have been a hive of activity in recent days as workmen tackle the overgrown site and B-listed building.

It sits on one of the main entrance routes into Ayr on Holmston Road – opposite the crumbling and empty Station Hotel.  

Last week South Ayrshire Council revealed a proposal for eight affordable homes on the grounds as part of its strategic housing investment plan. 

The  latest buyer is Motherwell-based firm Modern Housing Group. 

A spokesman from the firm said there are plans to hold discussions about the development over the course of the next few weeks.

The sandstone pile, which dates back to 1860, was sold by the council for £1.575 million three years ago.

It has changed hands a number of times since then and has been marketed by real estate company Colliers. 

Ayrshire Housing said it has been involved in a conservation about affordable homes on the plot. 

Ayrshire Housing director Jim Whiston said “informal discussions with both the previous and current owners” have taken place. 

The 19th century Kyle Combination Poorhouse was designed to home 150 destitute people with nowhere to go.

Overcrowding concerns and poor welfare sparked a building renovation in 1906.

Its more recent past saw it used as an adult training centre.