Directly across from Ayr’s Gaiety Theatre, Beattie Close is a development of 31 flats all designed for lifetime living. It includes a private courtyard and three roof gardens.

Speaking alongside other family members, Maureen said “We’re so honoured that this wonderful development has been named after our father. The Gaiety just across the road was his favourite theatre - Johnnie was known as ‘Mr Gaiety’!”

Last year, Ayrshire Housing staged a public vote in association with The Gaiety to decide on a name for the new building. The community was invited to submit their ideas for a suitably theatrical name for the building. Over 100 entries were ultimately narrowed down to just 5 final options, with the public overwhelmingly voting for Beattie Close – in honour of the late, great, Johnny Beattie.

Actor and comedian Johnny Beattie MBE was a beloved figure on the Scottish entertainment scene, whose work in television and theatre spanned over six decades. He had a particular strong connection to Ayrshire and The Gaiety in particular, performing on many occasions in the theatre – most notably for six back-to-back summer seasons as host of The Gaiety Whirl when Maureen was a child. The Beattie family has a lifelong connection to Ayrshire, which will be suitably honoured at both events. Mauren has now become the Gaiety’s patron.

The £7 million development has been designed by Ayr-based ARPL and built by the JR Group. Ayrshire Housing said it was pleased to have worked with the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership to incorporate flats with onsite care.