A COMPANY has been set up with the purpose of creating a museum for all things Ayrshire.

Museum of Ayrshire Ltd hope to turn the former Ayr Grammar School on Midtown Road, which South Ayrshire Council put on the market last week, into a “County Museum worthy of the ‘Shire”.

The group have been exploring the option for the past two years and had hoped to secure the building via community asset transfer.

The hope is that as well as providing a centre for residents and tourists to learn about Ayrshire history, the extra footfall would help boost the local economy.

Jimmy Begg, of the Museum of Ayrshire company, said: “Lying forgotten within the ancient county of Ayrshire is probably the richest and most fascinating heritage of all Scotland’s Shires.

“But unbelievably, the historic town of Ayr is the only county town in Scotland that has no public or private museum in which to promote and display this wonderful tradition.”

The group list four objectives; to advance Arts, Heritage and Culture within Ayrshire; to advance Education; to advance citizenship and community development among the people of Ayrshire; and to provide recreational facilities, and organise recreational activities.

At present, South Ayrshire Council’s preferred option is for a buyer to develop the site into 8-10 small flats, or more office space, a policy decision that would yield the council only a modest short-term cash gain, says the group.

The group say they have support from head teachers who agree the site would be beneficial for learning.

“Ayr Grammar School – a site of school learning for 150 – has just closed.

“It is the most central and best location ever to become available for consideration as the locus for a major People’s Museum and Learning Centre.” added Jimmy Begg.

As well as entertaining and educating Ayrshire children (and adults) about their heritage, it would be a fantastic tourist day visitor attraction, especially in wet weather,and provide a first-class facility that Ayr is sadly lacking, say the group.

Jimmy added: “The Museum of Ayrshire Company cannot achieve its much better alternative vision – of decades-long educational, social, tourism, and business benefits for the Ayrshire community – and many thousands of visitors – from this valuable asset, without the massive support and firm action of all sections of our Ayrshire community.

“To ensure success during the purchase and development phases – in these present difficult times, it is essential that, as well as successful applications for major grant funding, the Museum of Ayrshire group should seek, welcome and cherish the financial support of sympathetic major and minor philanthropists and benefactors.

“It will also seek and appreciate the strong backing of Ayrshire companies, businesses and institutions – and welcome pledges, donations, and offers of assistance from the general public – to all of whom the museum will belong.”