Future is encouraging for West Kilbride Community Initiative

Speaking to members of the Rotary Club of Hunterston she said that following 25 years of successful community engagement, regeneration and education, the WKCIL forward development plan would secure the town’s reputation of being a vibrant hub of creativity and craft.

West Kilbride is Scotland’s first designated ‘Craft Town’.

Ms Edgar said: “The future of WKCIL and its numerous projects remains as tentative as it ever has, challenging economic landscapes and financial uncertainties remain the key barriers to sustainability, however, the current financial projections are encouraging, and the Development Plan and Forward Planning Document represent the way forward.

“The Barony Centre, at the heart of the community, is a renowned hub of arts and craft innovation and enterprise. From music in the Barony knave, to the delights of the Café, or the frequent exhibitions and bustling studios, there is always something to inspire.”

Driven and led by “steadfast and dedicated volunteers”, and the Craft Town Scotland staff team, the WKCIL continues to expand its reach, according to Ms Edgar.

She added: “From planning and facilitating arts education programmes for school children across North Ayrshire, to increasing access for all to many creative disciplines whilst supporting the local community with annual events such as their Yuletide and Scarecrow Festivals, we are continuing to establish and promote strong connections between the creative communities up and down the west coast of Scotland.”

The WKCIL is a registered charity and is supported by organisations such as Creative Industries, the Scottish Government, Local Authorities, National Funding Organisations and from the local communities including Hunterston Rotary, its “journey towards a more robust level of sustainability is achievable”, said Ms Edgar.