The historic building is set to be preserved for future generations thanks to funding of £1.2 million, including nearly £580k from the Scottish Government. Other key funders include South Ayrshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland and Heritage Lottery.

The project will see major enhancements to the building, including conserving the iconic tower which is believed to originate from the 1500s. The tower will get a new roof and repairs will also be carried out to the masonry. A new accessible entrance will be added to the north side, returning that part of the building to its former Victorian grandeur.  The car park will be completely resurfaced and could be used for some community events in the future.

Inside the building, the kitchen will move to the main hall and the heating and lighting will be modernised along with the electrics.

The North Carrick Community Benefit Company (NCCBC) is also set to transform the unused Maybole Charity Shop on the High Street into an enterprise centre. Funding for this project includes £200k from the Scottish Government and a further £300k from NCCBC, Heritage Lottery and Historic Environment Scotland.

Councillor Bob Pollock, economic development portfolio holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “This is great news for Maybole and brings recent investment in the town up to £9.1m. The work to transform the town hall and the charity shop, would not have been possible without a major funding increase from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grants Fund, they have now contributed well over £779k.

“The rejuvenation of Maybole is an example of partnerships delivering major improvements in our towns and communities, growing our economy and making them even more attractive places to live, work and visit. We are pioneering community led regeneration and attracting significant investment to the town. For every £1 invested by the Council, we expect to attract £8 in match funding.”

Mark Fletcher, chair of Maybole Community Council said: “In these challenging times it’s great to see these long-awaited projects, key to the regeneration of Maybole Town Centre, starting in May.

“Special thanks go to the Scottish Government, without their added support these projects would not have been able to progress, thanks also to NCCBC, Historic Environment Scotland and Heritage Lottery whose continued support will make a huge difference to the town centre.

“The next step is to look forward to the Active Travel project being approved by Sustrans which will make sure the high street is accessible to residents and visitors alike.”

Frank McManus, managing director at Procast, which successfully bid for both projects, said: “We are excited to start work on these two important projects in historic Maybole. We recognise their importance and look forward to meeting the local community and contributing to the regeneration of the town.”