pinwherry-school-2004

Pinwherry Community Development Association have agreed to take over the Pinwherry Primary School buildings and convert them into a Hostel subject to final discussions with South Ayrshire Council.

The Community Wish and Vision.

When Pinwherry Primary School closed the local community requested Pinwherry and Pinmore Community Council to see what could be done with the redundant buildings. Community Council obtained funding to engage external consultants McKenzie Wilson to look at the possibility of turning the buildings into a Hostel and bunkhouse.

Extract from Consultants report.

The consultant looked at communities, facilities and services within a 10 – 12 mile radius of Pinwherry Village, as this is likely to be the immediate catchment area for any visitors wishing to avail themselves of this type of accommodation proposed for the former primary school.

The local area around Pinwherry and Pinmore has a good cross section of interesting sectoral products and activities, which could be developed to attract new business into this very rural part of South Carrick. A fairly wide range of opportunities could be considered for development without them having any significant negative impact on the local environment. This list is not exhaustive but is likely to include the following activities, hobbies and interests as follows: –

  • Cycling
  • Walking
  • Salmon & Trout Fishing
  • River Canoeing
  • Bird Watching (Inland & coastal)
  • Heritage – Castles, Standing Stones, Churches and Covenanters
  • Ancestry – Local names (Kennedy, Bruce, Cassillis)
  • Affiliate group tours (Motor cycle clubs, Ramblers, Archaeology groups)

Neighbouring communities along the River Stinchar including Barr, Colmonell and Ballantrae have additional services and activities, which strengthen the product base around Pinwherry and Pinmore and provide a good range of opportunities for existing visitors and developing markets. It would make sense for greater co-operation in the delivery of support services amongst these local communities. South of Pinwherry the villages of Barrhill, Bargrennan and Glentrool would also benefit from the additional accommodation provided in a new hostel/ bunkhouse.

There is currently no accommodation of this type available in South Carrick

On the basis of this report and that a Community Council cannot own property, the Community Council has passed this project on to Pinwherry and Pinmore Community Development Association. (PPCDA)

The PPCDA have been working with Architects Austin Smith Lord on plans to convert the buildings into three separate full self-contained units. All accommodation will have its own kitchen, lounge, shower, and bedroom, and induvial heated, there will be a single bedroom unit, a two bedded unit and a 4 bed unit

The PPCDA are now in discussions with South Ayrshire Council on how the community can take over and convert the old school buildings.