During the Parliamentary recess for party political conferences, I have been busy across my Ayr, Carrick, and Cumnock constituency in recent weeks.

It is always a pleasure to see the diversity of exciting initiatives and events taking place within the constituency.

My travels took me to deepest, rural South Ayrshire to hear constituents’ concerns regarding the proposed Knockodhar windfarm development.

While renewable energy sources are very much the future, it is important that these massive, 200metre high turbines are sited carefully rather than concentrated in one area.

Ayr Advertiser: The MP meets constituents who will be affected by the proposed Knockodhar windfarm developmentThe MP meets constituents who will be affected by the proposed Knockodhar windfarm development (Image: Allan Dorans MP)

I will be supporting constituents’ objections to this development as it will have a significant negative impact in an area already overlooked by Mark Farm Windfarm.

The proliferation of windfarms and their impact on the natural, scenic beauty of our constituency is of concern to local residents in Straiton.

I was invited to attend the AGM (Annual General Meeting) of ‘Save Straiton for Scotland’ and hear from a number of excellent speakers about the negative effects of local windfarms and turbines both locally and further afield.

While planning consent for these developments is devolved to the Scottish Government, I have submitted formal objections to three of the proposed further developments and will continue to represent the views of my constituents by objecting to other proposed developments in the area. Further information can be found at www.savestraitonforscotland.com.

Back in Ayr itself, I was delighted to be able to visit the newly refurbished tennis courts at Ayr Fort, where I met with Kris Henderson of the Lawn Tennis Association and Stewart and Janice Rogerson of Prestwick Tennis and Fitness which incorporates the six all weather courts at Ayr Fort.

The refurbishment is the result of a joint investment from the UK (United Kingdom) Government, the LTA Tennis Foundation, SAC’s Coastal Communities Fund, Barr Environmental, the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund and Prestwick Tennis and Fitness.

This investment is designed to enable people of all backgrounds to play and enjoy tennis and provide greater opportunities for us all be to more active, as was impressively demonstrated by the many young people who were there, thoroughly enjoying playing tennis on a Saturday morning. 

Ayr Advertiser: The regeneration meeting in GirvanThe regeneration meeting in Girvan (Image: Allan Dorans MP)

I was very impressed with my visit to Girvan to meet political and volunteer representatives and hear of the Town Centre regeneration plans which have been made possible by securing funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. 

The event was hosted by South Ayrshire Council Live and the proposed development of Stumpy Tower, the McKechnie Institute, Knockcushan House, the harbour area and other projects across the conservation area and sea front are to be commended. 

The commitment and enthusiasm of everyone involved in regenerating Girvan is outstanding: special mention goes to Girvan Town Team and the voluntary organisations including Girvan Youth Trust, Adventure Centre for Education- ACE and local volunteers who are determined to restore the vibrancy and attractiveness of this great town.