Fri 5th October 2007

Lottery Funding Secured

We are delighted to announce the successful outcome of our bid to the Big Lottery "Investing In Ideas fund. The award will enable the commissioning of a feasibility study and full business plan for the development of a centre of excellence for the display of contemporary craft, which is seen as a significant element in ensuring the long-term future of Craft Town Scotland

The original aim of the WKCIL was to achieve sustainability of the Craft & Design town (now known as "Craft Town Scotland") by acquiring a core group of 12 craft studios, thereby achieving "critical mass" and justifying the claim of "Craft Town Scotland". However, as a result of the success of WKCIL"s activities, the availability of commercial properties has reduced with only one building available for sale.

In response to this, WKCIL believe that a major resource should be developed as the focus for Craft Town Scotland. The old Barony Church is a "C" listed building owned by WKCIL, but it requires remedial repairs in the very near future. A building that has been an integral part of both the visual townscape and the sense of community identity, there is a strong desire that it be re-instated as a significant resource for both the local community and the wider North Ayrshire community.

There will be a further progress update with more detailed plans in the next few weeks.

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