South Ayrshire Council has confirmed that they are planning a range of additional festive activities and an advertising campaign to boost footfall into Ayr town centre in the run up to Christmas.

With essential safety works continuing at the Station Hotel building, resulting in the temporary closure of Ayr Train Station and Station Bridge Road, South Ayrshire Council has said that they are creating a programme that will support eligible businesses in the immediate area.

Officers from the economy and regeneration team will contact the businesses that fall into a certain criteria to talk about the additional business support that’s available to them. 

And the council also confirmed that from each weekend, from Saturday, November 25, and extended programme of festive entertainment will see a range of activities at the top and bottom of the town.

The Grain Exchange, Cutty Sark Centre and Ayr Central Shopping Centre will all play host to seasonal attractions.

From 12pm to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays in the run up to Christmas, children and families can take part in a range of activities including snowflake making, Christmas clay modelling, face painting and Christmas-themed games. 

The Grain Exchange will host local choirs performing Christmas classics and seasonal hits. 

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: “Ensuring public safety is at the forefront of our concerns. 

Read More: South Ayrshire care home company win two national awards

"This means that temporary road closures at Ayr Train Station and Station Bridge Road are essential to keep everyone safe during the ongoing safety works.

"A key objective is to get both rail and road transport moving again as soon as possible.

"However, with the closures expected to last until around January 10, I want local retailers to know that the Council is here to support them. 

"Our extended range of festive activities is just what the town centre needs ahead of Christmas. Plus, we’ll soon be launching our promotional campaign so that everyone knows Ayr is open and ready to welcome their custom!

"We’ve also been working hard behind the scenes on specific business support grants for shops and businesses in the immediate area of the closures that are severely impacted.”

South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for tourism, culture and rural affairs, Councillor Alec Clark, added: “I’m pleased that we’re enhancing our festive entertainment programme in Ayr town centre over the next few weeks. 

"This will help to attract more visitors and locals to the area. Christmas is a time where people traditionally gather to enjoy seasonal activities like shopping, eating out, and being entertained. 

"We’ve substantially upped our range of activities to give families more opportunities to come together to create special memories, while supporting local retailers. Two hours’ free parking in the town centre is also a great incentive to pay a visit.”

You can keep up to date with the festive activities on offer over the coming weekends by clicking www.destinationsouthayrshire.co.uk/christmas/ayr. 

Information about support grants and the online application form can be found at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/relieffund-ayrstation.