The Bandstand Project

22/09/2026

A little Bandstand update…

There’s been plenty happening behind the scenes over the past few weeks. With ACE now the proud owner of the Bandstand, the project team has been working through the final stages of the tender process, refining plans and looking closely at some of the specialist heritage work that will be needed as the restoration moves forward.

We’re also looking forward to how the Bandstand can connect with the wider Girvan Story work happening across the town, particularly around heritage, traditional skills and community involvement.

As we start thinking about some of that activity, we’d love to hear from you:

What traditional skills do you most value, remember or associate with Girvan — and are there any you’d like to see, learn about or experience as part of the project?

There is still a bit of work to do before we can confirm the next big milestones, but things are moving in the right direction, and we’re looking forward to sharing more as the project develops.

19/09/2026

Our partners at Girvan Story will be hosting an information session on this wonderful grant scheme. Whether you are a business or property owner, or someone who would just like to find out more about the investment into improving Girvan, this is a perfect opportunity to find out more.

Girvan's Story is launching a grant scheme aimed at supporting owners and leaseholders with the repair and maintenance of historic buildings in the town centre.
Join us at an evening event to learn more about the grant scheme and learn how taking a heritage- led approach can improve Girvan’s town centre for all.
Properties within the red boundary are eligible
to apply. Funding is limited and eligibility does not guarantee a grant award, all applications
are subject to assessment and the necessary approvals.
For further information please visit our webpage. https://girvans-story.com/

24/08/2026

How exciting that after 25 years, the Millennium Quilt continues it's legacy!

What a wonderful new project launch by Girvan's Story Regeneration Project.

Roots and Branches: A New Community Textile Project Inspired by the Girvan Millennium Quilt
Girvan's Story and local artist Winifred Wright have come together to deliver Roots and Branches, an exciting new community textile project celebrating community, sustainability and heritage.
Inspired by the Girvan Millennium Quilt, the project will explore how the town has changed over the past 25 years while highlighting the strong community connections that continue to shape Girvan and inspire its future aspirations.
Are you part of a local community group or business and interested in getting involved? Or perhaps you're feeling creative and would like to help? Come along to one of our drop-in sessions to learn more about the project and sign up to take part.
Sessions will run from 11.00am to 3.00pm on the following dates:
August
• Thursday 27 August
• Saturday 29 August
September
• Thursday 3 September
• Saturday 5 September
We look forward to seeing you.

04/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who shared their memories and hopes for the Bandstand on our recent posts. It is clear how much this building means to Girvan, particularly to those who remember it being at the heart of community life.

Many people have also asked when work will begin and when the Bandstand will be ready. We hope this image helps to explain the considerable progress already made, where the project currently sits and the stages ahead.

The South Ayrshire Council consultation and legal processes required for the sale have been completed, full capital funding has been secured, and in June 2026, ACE officially received the keys to the Bandstand. Community involvement will continue as plans for the building’s future use and activities develop.

The project is already supported by an experienced design team and specialist advisers, who have helped develop the plans and prepare the project for construction.

It has now reached the tendering stage, during which construction contractors are being invited and assessed to deliver Phase 1 of the works. This phase will involve initial and exploratory work to carefully uncover and better understand the condition of the historic structure.

The next step will be to bring the different elements of the construction programme together. This includes coordinating the specialist foundry work required to restore the Bandstand’s historic ironwork with the wider building works being procured through the current tendering process.

This careful coordination is important for protecting the Bandstand’s original character and ensuring each part of the restoration is carried out in the correct order.

The project is moving forward, and a clearer construction programme will be developed as the tendering process is completed and the specialist works are coordinated. We will continue to share updates as each important stage is reached.

Thank you for continuing to follow and support the journey of the Bandstand.

31/07/2026

We’re delighted to share the latest designs for the Girvan Bandstand.

We have been working closely with our architects, funders and project partners to develop the design in preparation for the construction phase, while carefully honouring the Bandstand’s original features, character and heritage.

The design will make the most of this very special location, with spectacular views towards Ailsa Craig to be enjoyed over a cup of good-quality coffee. It will also create a flexible and welcoming space for events, activities and community use—bringing new life to the Bandstand while keeping it rooted in the people and stories of Girvan.

We are grateful to all the funders, partners and supporters who have helped bring the Bandstand project to this stage. The capital works are being made possible through funding from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Carrick Futures and The William Grant Foundation, alongside our partnership and the support we have received from Girvan's Story.

As a priority project within the Girvan’s Story Regeneration Project, the Bandstand forms part of a wider vision for Girvan’s future.

Girvan’s Story will be attending the Girvan RNLI Harbour Gala, where you can find out more about the wider regeneration project and get a sneak peek at the model of the Bandstand design.

We would love to hear what you think of the latest plans.

31/07/2026

A little sunshine on the Bandstand today ☀️

Looking closely at the beautiful ironwork, you can really appreciate the craftsmanship and detail that went into creating it.

The close-up photographs also reveal glimpses of the Bandstand’s past, with different layers of paint showing through over time—including teal, black and even yellow.

We would love to hear your memories: what colour do you remember the Girvan Bandstand being?

31/05/2026

It's the last hour of the Girvana project! Pop down before 4pm to share your memories of events down on the prom in Girvan.

31/05/2026

Don't forget to visit the Girvana pop up and help recreate the 5th Dimension! Artists Kate and Nadia are down at the community garden with lots of fun arts and crafts to get involved with.

26/05/2026

As part of Girvan Arts Festival we've invited artist Kate V Robertson to host this milti-sensory art event celebrating the Fifth Dimension project of 1969!

Drop-in any time between 11am-4pm at the event space next to Girvan Community Garden this Sunday, May 31st.

19/05/2026

Just over a week left to apply for this post! Details in the job advert below, or email [email protected] for an application pack.