GARNOCK Connections landscape partnership is set to celebrate its launch by holding a series of free events through North Ayrshire this October.

Stretching from the Muirshiel Hills down to Irvine Bay, with the River Garnock at its heart, Garnock Connections will bring together communities and projects across North Ayrshire and Renfrewshire and has been awarded £1.35m by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

This will help fund a series of exciting projects including ambitious plans to bring pollinating insects back to the landscape, tackle river pollution and breathe new life into important historical sites such as the Garnock Tug and the Peel Tower.

The partnership will also develop innovative ways for people to access their local heritage, with tools ranging from wheelchair beach buggies to 3D visualisation of the area’s historical buildings.

To celebrate the launch of the project, the Garnock Connections team are holding a series of free events during October to give local people the chance to find out more about what is happening in their area, and have a bit of fun as well.

Garnock Connections are hosting family fun days at Castle Semple Visitor Centre on Saturday, October 13 and at Eglinton Country Park on Saturday, October 20.

There will be a range of activities for families to get involved with including making bird feeders and guided walks.

There will also be displays about the various projects taking place throughout the area.

There will also be three midweek events at the Walker Hall in Kilbirnie on Monday, October 15; the Townhouse in Irvine on Tuesday, October 16; and the Town Hall in Saltcoats on Thursday, October 18.

These events will run from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and attendees will be able to hear from the Garnock Connections team and partners about exciting projects happening in their area.

Alex Page, the Garnock Connections Project Manager, said: “We’re delighted that HLF has recognised both the importance of this area, and the fantastic opportunities available to enhance its heritage for the benefit of communities and visitors. The people and communities of the Garnock Connections area are at the core of the programme, and we cannot wait to meet people from different areas of the landscape during the launch week.”

David Anderson, the Garnock Connections Project Officer, said: “It is fantastic to be getting this exciting and ambitious project underway. These events will give us a great opportunity to get out and meet people who live in the landscape and tell them about our exciting plans. If you live close by to one of the events then please come along and say hello, we are looking forward to me eting as many people as possible.”

For further information visit www. garnockconnections.org.uk or email garnock.connections@rspb.org.uk