CKD Galbraith offer grazing and arable farm with two houses

AN excellent grazing and arable farm with two houses in an unspoilt rural situation in Ayrshire, Scotland is being offered for sale by CKD Galbraith.

Rarely does an opportunity arise for an enterprise such as Threave Farm, which is being marketed through leading independent property consultancy CKD Galbraith’s Ayr Office. This lovely farm, set in rolling Ayrshire countryside just south of the village of Crosshill, comprises both the original farmhouse with steading, a new detached house, ancillary farm buildings and high quality farmland.


Threave Farmhouse (pictued above) is a substantial traditional house, forming part of an attractive enclosed courtyard with a range of adjoining outbuildings. Its extensive accommodation includes 5 bedrooms and 3 main reception rooms. Whilst the house requires a degree of refurbishment and modernisation, it offers an opportunity to create a stunning family home. The delightful courtyard could be converted for a variety of uses. With an additional grazing paddock of about 11 acres it would also suit anyone looking to set up an equestrian facility.

It is being marketed at offers over £295,000.


Adjacent to the farm steading is a new detached 3-4 bedroom country home (pictured above), built by Hope Homes in 2009, to a high specification, and ideally designed and situated to take advantage of the countryside views. The adjoining farmland comprises 128.7 acres in 10 fields of excellent arable and grazing land. There is a range of useful farm buildings, including a small portal frame stock shed, hay sheds and sheep pens. Offers over £650,000 are being sought.


Threave Farm could suit those with farming or equestrian interests, or even a joint enterprise or family purchase.

It is being marketed at offers over £945,000 for the whole.

For further information: Contact Bob Cherry 01292 268181

PDF available on www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk

About CKD Galbraith

CKD Galbraith is an independent property consultancy specialising in serving the needs of private clients. It employs over 160 people in offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Cupar, Inverness, Aberfeldy, Castle Douglas, Ayr, Elgin, Galashiels, Kelso and Peebles.

The partnership provides the full range of property consulting services across the commercial, residential and rural sectors throughout Scotland. The company’s rural arm specialises in farm sales and purchases, the management and sale of large estates and woodland, valuations and building surveying work.

The company enjoys a successful relationship with its associate firm in London, CKD Kennedy Macpherson, as well as providing a range of services to the farming community through an association with United Auctions, Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement specialists.

CKD Galbraith’s Ayr office:

CKD Galbraith
7 Killoch Place
Ayr KA7 2EA
Ayrshire, Scotland

Contact: R A Cherry BSc MRICS
Tel: 01292 268181
Fax: 01292 292300
E-mail: bob.cherry@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Web: www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk

Independent property consultancy CKD Galbraith’s Ayr Office is a founder member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

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South Ayrshire Council invest in the future of sport

South Ayrshire Council is investing almost £80,000 to upgrade the facilities at Dam Park Stadium in Ayr, which will benefit individual and club athletes now and in the future.

Among the athletes who regularly use the stadium for training and competitions are members of Ayr Seaforth Athletics Club, who were training when a group of Councillors visited the track prior to the work starting.


[Pictured: Glen Harrower, Coach at Seaforth Athletic Club gets young athletes and (left to right) Councillor John Hampton, Councillor Tom Slider, Councillor Ian Cavana, Councillor Margaret Toner and Councillor Bill McIntosh up to the start line at the Dam Park Stadium.]

Councillor Bill McIntosh, the Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: “The eight lane track at Dam Park Stadium needs to be upgraded to ensure that it is fit for purpose now and in the future.

“In the current economic climate we have to think very carefully before we commit to spending money on facilities. However, in this instance we knew that we had to upgrade the facility to give athletes support by providing an appropriate place for them to train and compete.

“We are committed to encouraging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and be the best that they can be and I believe that we will see the rewards for many years to come.”

Dam Park Stadium has a running track; two long jump run ups and pits; a high jump run up and landing area; shot putt circle; two javelin run ups and a cage for throwing events. The pavilion has five changing rooms, two toilet and shower blocks for competitors, two storerooms, entrance foyer and general-purpose area. The pavilion also contains a stand with pod seating for 478 spectators and a press box.

As well as athletics training and events, Dam Park Stadium has been used for football events, music festivals and fire safety events.


Councillor Margaret Toner, Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure Portfolio Holder (pictured above) said: “With the 2012 Olympics and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 the upgrading of this track has come at a vital time in Scottish sport.

“Once the work is carried out, local athletes will have an enhanced training facility that will help them maximise their chances of qualifying for national and international events.

“We are keen to have the stadium included as a training venue or pre-event holding camp for international teams prior to the Commonweath Games in 2014 and I am sure the upgrading will assist us in achieving this.”

Glen Harrower, the Coach at Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club said: “A new bright track with clear lanes will be a tremendous boost and benefit to both athletes and coaches in place of the existing dull and patchy surface where the lane markings and especially the hurdle markings have almost disappeared. Hopefully it will encourage better competitions at Ayr and the development of further facilities.”

The stadium will close around the 10 September for approximately three weeks so the improvement works can be carried out. The exact timescale will be influenced by the weather conditions.

The works include cleaning, re-surfacing and relining the entire track including the small verges, end steeplechase area, quadrant fan, two javelin runs and long jump run.

LINK:

South Ayrshire Council

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ARPL Architects Ltd complete refurbishment of
artists’ studios in Irvine

Multi-award winning Ayr-based ARPL Architects Ltd have announced the completed refurbishment of artists’ studios on Irvine harbourside for WASPS Artists’ Studios, a charity providing affordable studios to rent around Scotland.


The original courtyard development of 13 studios for artists of various disciplines, built in the 1980s, have had a comprehensive refurbishment and an additional 5 studios created at mezzanine level.

The project has been funded by the Scottish Arts Council, and local contractor James Anderson has carried out the work.

This is one of WASPS’ smaller projects in comparison to the large studio developments such as their new complex at the Briggait in Glasgow, but a very valuable facility for local Ayrshire artists.


The artists who occupy the studios are working to make a living through their creativity and the Scottish Arts Council have been keen to fund this development that increases studio spaces from the existing 13 up to 18 by maximising the existing structure to provide mezzanine studios, and improve the refurbished studio facilities and comfort with a tight construction budget of £110k.

Careful planning and a good working relationship were essential as the construction work went on around the artists who continued occupation of the studios throughout the contract.


Consideration of good daylight and affordable running costs with a practical place to work are important criteria for artists making a living through their creativity. WASPS are pleased to have increased their accommodation available for Ayrshire and have a waiting list for studios.

Artists working in the courtyard studios are very happy to have visitors and show them their work.

Wasps Artists’ Studios is an award-winning charity which provides affordable studio space to support the careers of up to 750 visual artists working in Scotland today.

Now with a 30 year track record, Wasps Artists’ Studios have grown to become one of the largest studio providers in the UK with a network of 17 buildings from the Scottish Borders to the Shetland Islands.

ARPL Architects Ltd

The directors of ARPL Architects Ltd are Patrick Lorimer, Robert Gilliland, Gordon Fleming, and Rebecca Cadie with John Ramsay, Stewart Glendinning and Kenneth Handley as associates.

The ARPL philosophy is to produce buildings to the highest design standards in close consultation with its clients. Designs are innovative and sympathetic to both the immediate and the broader environment in which they are constructed, with an emphasis on sustainability. Each project embraces the unique nature of the client’s needs and the site.

Over the 36 years since Patrick Lorimer established the original practice, ARPL’s status in the profession has grown steadily in line with its position as a medium-sized practice with a reputation for well executed projects. From its base in Ayr the practice carries out projects over a wide geographical area from the Orkneys and the Western Isles to Ireland.

The firm’s project experience covers the fields of housing, churches, schools, commercial projects, private houses, community and arts buildings. Particular expertise has been developed in contemporary sustainable design, specialist conservation works and design for historically sensitive environments.

ARPL’s work has received wide recognition through numerous design and environmental awards presented over the years for its new build and conservation works. Regular success in design competitions adds to the practice portfolio.

ARPL are currently working on new and refurbishment housing for Lochside, Ayr, several church and castle conservation and restoration projects and new community facilities in the South West of Scotland. Appointments for church commissions involve a range of denominations and projects from conservation and repair to extensions and new build. The firm is also involved in country houses and estates and the design of new houses for private owners.

The practice typically handles projects with construction values ranging from £100k through to £15m.

ARPL directors have managed to keep their business stable during the current difficult times, and have a busy current workload.

ARPL Architects Ltd is a founder member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

Contact:

ARPL Architects Ltd
Architects and Quantity Surveyors
11 Wellington Square
Ayr KA7 1EN
Ayrshire, Scotland

Contact: Patrick Lorimer
Tel: 01292 289777
Fax: 01292 288896
E-mail: plorimer@arpl.co.uk
Web: www.arpl.co.uk

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South Ayrshire Council and Kerr & Smith up for award

South Ayrshire Council has made the shortlist for the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Service Awards 2010 in the Public/Private Partnership category.

The Council has taken an innovative partnership approach to fleet management by forging a partnership with local company Kerr & Smith.


[Pictured: One of South Ayrshire Council’s vehicles being fully checked and serviced prior to going back out on the road in South Ayrshire.]

The partnership was entered into following an internal review of the Council’s procurement and maintenance of vehicles in 2007. With nearly 1,000 vehicles used by services such as grounds maintenance, roads, schools and home care, the Council’s needs are diverse, and the review showed that the best way forward was a hybrid approach of contract hire and lease arrangements with outsourced maintenance.


Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of the Council (pictured above) said: “I am delighted that we have been shortlisted for the APSE Service Awards 2010, and congratulate everyone involved in making it such a success.

“We needed a new modern approach to our fleet management. The Council facilities we had were originally designed to cope with 30 bin lorries, while our throughput had grown to around 400 vehicles. The partnership with Kerr & Smith was the ideal solution.

“The partnership has led to improved service delivery, better performance, cost efficiencies and it is more environmentally friendly.

“As part of our partnership arrangement Kerr & Smith has leased a workshop from the Council, which it uses in addition to its own extensive facilities. As a result, the council now benefits from additional rental income from the company.

”The partnership is working well and is a good example of what can be achieved when you dare to be different and implement a new system.”

The new arrangement proved particularly beneficial during the winter. The Council and Kerr & Smith worked round the clock to ensure essential vehicles were maintained and out on the streets in minimal turnaround times, helping maintain public safety in some of the most challenging weather conditions faced in years.


[Pictured: South Ayrshire Council and Kerr & Smith employees working in partnership to keep Council vehicles well maintained enabling employees to deliver services across South Ayrshire.]

Paul Kerr Service Director at Kerr & Smith said: “We are delighted to be part of an innovative partnership between private and public sector bodies which has brought improved services within the region. It is a testament to our working relationship that during one of the worst winters in 20 years we worked together to ensure their was no break in services.”

In the first 12 months of the partnership, achievements included a younger fleet, reduced carbon footprint, reduced costs, reduced risk, improved safety, more flexible service, increased availability of service, access to modern equipment and practices, and job enrichment for staff.


Councillor Peter Convery, Sustainability and Environment Portfolio Holder (pictured above) said: “Modern, efficient, low emission vehicles are helping us to protect the environment and reduce the Council’s carbon footprint.

“I know first hand how well the partnership is working, having spent time with employees who were gritting our roads during the winter, and saw how well the vehicles were being maintained. Residents of South Ayrshire are benefiting from the flexibility that this partnership is giving us with our vehicles.

“The partnership is a worthy finalist for this award, and I hope it goes on to take the top spot.”

APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) is a not for profit local government body working with over 300 councils throughout the UK. Promoting excellence in public services, APSE is the foremost specialist in local authority front line services, hosting a network for front line service providers in areas such as waste and refuse collection, parks and environmental services, leisure, school meals, cleaning, housing and building maintenance.

The APSE’S Annual Dinner will take place at the National Seminar and Exhibition in Derry in September 2010, when award presentations will be made.

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

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Siberian students on course at University of West of Scotland

A GROUP of students from the Siberian State Transport University (SSTU) recently got a unique insight into Scotland’s transport industry as part of a two-week course they undertook at the University of the West of Scotland’s Management Centre in Ayr.


The 11 business students were joined by three of their tutors during their time at UWS and benefited from the University’s business expertise, undertaking a two-week (11-23 July 2010) course covering finance, economics and English as a foreign language. The final year students are all sponsored by Russian Railways for whom they will work as managers after graduating.

As part of the course, UWS organised a day of industry visits on 20 July to the Glasgow offices of the Atkins Group plc and Transport Scotland, to give the group practical, real-world experience of the transport industry in Scotland.

Atkins is the UK's largest engineering and design consultancy and the world's 11th largest design firm. The group was welcomed to the company’s Glasgow offices by Atkins Director, John Foley, and UWS Executive MBA alumnus, Kim Irvine, who gave an overview of Atkins and its activities.

The group then undertook a site visit (pictured above) to the nearby £445 million M74 Completion project in Glasgow, for which Atkins, in a joint venture with Jacobs Engineering Group Inc, was awarded the design and construction services. Interlink M74 Joint Venture and ScotRail representatives gave a detailed walking tour of part of the five-mile project which will complete a vital part of Scotland’s motorway network, and forms part of a major infrastructure investment in Scotland’s transport network.

The group also visited Transport Scotland’s Glasgow offices on the day. This visit, which was co-ordinated by Alasdair Macleod, Business Manager for Rail Delivery at Transport Scotland, saw presentations on Rail Delivery by Jason Pearce; Strategy & Investment by Laurence Kenney and Major Transport Infrastructure Projects by Dominic Murphy. The strategic presentations were followed by question and answer sessions.

The previous week George Fiddes, Team Leader of Transportation and Traffic at South Ayrshire Council, visited the University’s Management Centre in Ayr and gave the group an overview of the South Ayrshire Local Transport Strategy as well as an insight into rail operations in the west coast of Scotland.

Eithne McGilvray of University of the West of Scotland’s Business School said: “The University has strong industry links and a successful track record of delivering business courses for a variety of organisations. We are delighted to work with SSTU and are very grateful to Atkins Group, Transport Scotland and South Ayrshire Council for the industry perspective they provided. The Siberian students and their tutors found these visits very informative and they were a highlight of their study trip to Scotland.”

www.uws.ac.uk

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South Ayrshire Council appoints new Executive Director

South Ayrshire Council has appointed a new Executive Director to its Corporate Management Team with responsibility for planning, tourism, roads, waste management, property and assets, environmental health, trading standards and customer service.


Lesley Bloomer (pictured above) will take over as Executive Director of Development & Environment when Graham Peterkin retires in the autumn.

Lesley is currently a Performance Adviser working through SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) Enterprises to help Scottish Councils improve their performance and has worked with around 12 of the 32 local authorities in the country.

She is also currently Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

She previously held the role of Director of Performance Audit for Education, Enterprise and Justice with the public sector watchdog Audit Scotland, where she led teams to deliver a series of influential performance reviews. She also sat on the Board of the Care Commission and played a key role in establishing the overall strategic direction of the organisation.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “This is a challenging time for local government and it’s vital we have the right people in place as we move forward. I am delighted Lesley is joining South Ayrshire Council and look forward to working with her and the rest of the Corporate Management team to make a positive difference for the people and communities of South Ayrshire.”

David Anderson, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council, said: “Lesley brings considerable experience from both public and private sectors and her impressive record in performance management speaks for itself.

“I’m sure she will make a strong contribution to the Council as we continue on our improvement journey and will play a key role in the Corporate Management Team as we work to establish South Ayrshire as the most dynamic, inclusive and sustainable community in Scotland.”

Lesley said: “I am delighted to be joining South Ayrshire Council and I look forward to working with my new colleagues in Development and Environment, as well as across the Council and our many partners.

“South Ayrshire is where I grew up and it's great to be able to contribute to its future prosperity and quality of life.”

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

LINK:

PRLog

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Ayr Racecourse Ladies Night a great success

By: Iain Ferguson

MORE than 6600 people enjoyed one of the most memorable ever Champagne GH Mumm Ladies Nights at Ayr Racecourse recently.

Brilliant sunshine greeted the racegoers, and as a result the Champagne Lawns and Gardens were a sea of fashion with ladies dressed in their finery enjoying the racing and the superb atmosphere.


The huge crowd enjoyed a brilliant evening’s racing with seven races, and after the action on the course ended the fun inside started with top quality entertainment in both the Ayrshire Suite and the Princess Royal Suite.

Top tribute band Take That 2 played for around two hours and reeled off a string of hits including ‘Rule The World’, ‘Shine’, ‘Greatest Day’, ‘Everything Changes’ and ‘Love Ain’t Here Anymore’. The Ayrshire Suite crowd loved the performance, and the foursome even came back for an encore.

Disc jockeys Colin McArdle and Tom Jones also kept the dance floor in the Princess Royal Suite full, and the fun went on for about three hours after the last race.


It was also a night to remember for 10 lucky ladies who won a bronze coin – and a place in the William Hill (Ayr) Gold Cup Ladies Day Final on Friday September 17 when the star prize is a fabulous Vauxhall Astra courtesy of Kerr & Smith/Iveco Trucks.

Ayr Racecourse Sales & Marketing Manager Lindsey Smith was happy with the success of the evening and said: “We were blessed with great weather, and that makes all the difference. I have to praise the ladies for the standard of outfits – it gave our judges a very hard task indeed.

“This year’s attendance of just more than 6600 was virtually the same as last year, which was a record crowd for the fixture. All in all it was a highly successful evening.”

For more information call Iain Ferguson on 01292-294972 or 07795-565691.

Ayr Racecourse
2-6 Whitletts Road
Ayr Ayrshire
Scotland KA8 0JE

Tel: 01292 264179
Fax: 01292 610140
E-mail: info@ayr-racecourse.co.uk
Web: www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

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