The tourism potential of North Ayrshire has recently been highlighted by Visit Scotland’s award of ‘Four Star Visitor Attraction’ status to the Museum of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume at Dalgarven Mill.

Sandi Hallowell, Director of Tourism for South West Scotland recently presented the award to Rob Ferguson, Chairman of The Dalgarven Mill Trust, and endorsed the Museum and its site as an outstanding local and regional attraction.

The Museum is run by a dedicated band of volunteers, and perhaps the greatest challenge faced by the Trust is the continuous repair and renewal of their wonderful set of listed buildings dating from Kilwinning Abbey in 1203, and in particular caring for the beautifully restored watermill and its machinery. Add in the maintenance of 900 new trees on their new riverside woodland walkway, and it’s no wonder their resources have been strained in recent years.

The Museum has always worked closely with North Ayrshire Council, and various instances of financial assistance from Business Development, a Corporate Support Grant, and the Land Fill Tax Fund have helped the Mill Trust achieve such a picturesque four star tourist attraction.

Rob Ferguson, chairman of The Dalgarven Mill Trust, commented; ‘As part of our company's recent growth and marketing plans, a Business Development Grant has helped launch a new website which will improve our marketing, raising the profile of a wonderful North Ayrshire tourist attraction. Councillor Robert Barr is the current local authority representative holding a seat on the Trust, and he has proved to be an enthusiastic and involved supporter of the Trust’s affairs. The Trustees feel the award of Visit Scotland’s Four Star status for Dalgarven Mill reflects not only what the visitor sees today, but the considerable, continuous support that the Trust has had from the various departments within North Ayrshire Council’.

Details of the Mill and Museum can be found at www.dalgarvenmill.org.uk.