Carrick Futures has awarded £246,000 to ACE for two transformative projects
Carrick Futures has announced a major investment of £246,346 in Adventure Centre for Education (ACE), a local charity supporting two transformative projects that will benefit thousands of people in Girvan and South Carrick.
The funding package comprises £187,666 towards the ambitious Girvan Bandstand restoration project and £58,680 to ensure ACE's outdoor education programme can be provided to every mainstream primary school in the fund’s area of operation.
Bringing the Bandstand Back to Life
The award will contribute to the second phase of refurbishing the historic Girvan Bandstand, which has stood derelict on the town's seafront for over 20 years. The funding will support the internal fit-out of the building and a Development Officer for a three-year period, helping transition the landmark into a thriving social enterprise café and events venue.
The restored Bandstand will serve as a focal point for Girvan, offering high-quality refreshments and a diverse programme of community events in its unique heritage setting. The project is expected to create local employment opportunities, stimulate tourism, and contribute to the regeneration of Girvan town centre.
This award, one of the most significant commitments made by the Carrick Futures fund to date will contribute to supporting ACE to secure the £1.24 million needed for the project, and signal to other national funders the local support there is for the restoration of this iconic local landmark.
Investing in Young People's Futures
£58,680 will fund ACE's #ACEDAYS outdoor education programme, delivering 72 days of free nature-based outdoor learning to pupils at primary schools right across South Carrick.
Over 200 pupils will benefit directly from the initiative, which offers tailored activities including canoeing, snorkelling, bush skills, and mountain biking, designed to build resilience, leadership skills, connection to nature and provide additional support for students facing educational challenges.
This funding will also support the continued employment of Girvan-based apprentice, Finlay, who first attended ACE days while he was a pupil at Sacred Heart primary school and has gone to become an exceptional outdoor activities leader, providing valuable employment experience while offering young participants a relatable role model. Finlay says: “I’ve learned so much—not just about outdoor leadership, but about myself. It’s been amazing to give back to the community I grew up in.”
Aligning with Strategic Priorities
The investment strongly aligns with Carrick Futures' strategic priorities to support sustainable communities in South Carrick. The Bandstand project will improve access to services by providing a new community space and public toilets in a prominent seafront location, boosting community pride by bringing a derelict space back in to use. It aims to provide opportunities for young people by creating employment in an area where the employment rate is almost 12% lower than the national average.
The outdoor education programme directly improves equality of opportunity by ensuring primary schools in the area can access high-quality outdoor learning, regardless of their location or ability to fundraise individually. By working with ACE directly, the fund has also reduced administrative burden on parent councils and school volunteers, while ensuring equitable access across the region.
Both projects support good health and wellbeing – the Bandstand will offer a space where the community can connect people and combat social isolation; while the outdoor education programme promotes physical activity, mental health improvements, and stronger social connections among young people, which are particularly valuable in the post-pandemic education landscape.
A Strategic Partnership
Matt Cross, Carrick Futures Chair said: "This investment in Adventure Centre for Education demonstrates our commitment to sustaining our communities for the long term through community regeneration and youth development. The Bandstand project will create a lasting legacy for Girvan, while the outdoor education programme ensures that all children in our area have access to enriching learning experiences, regardless of their school or background."
Chris Saunders, Chief Executive, Adventure Centre for Education said: "We are incredibly grateful for Carrick Futures' support. This funding enables us to deliver on two fronts – restoring a beloved community landmark that will benefit residents and visitors for generations to come, while continuing our founding mission of providing life-enhancing outdoor experiences for young people across South Ayrshire."
