New Town Ambassador Scheme to put Girvan 'back on the map'
The new Town Ambassador Scheme is being launched to help boost tourism in the area.
A new scheme to help boost tourism in Girvan has been launched as locals aim to shake off the area’s reputation of being the forgotten town of South Ayrshire.
Launched by the town’s local tourism organisation, Go Girvan, a team of ambassadors representing the town will be on site for the next few months at the beach front where the majority of people visit.
They’ll be offering personal welcomes, and with all the ambassadors being local to the town they are clued up on a wealth of local knowledge of their hometown.
From local walks & local history to general information and directions, the team made up of six volunteers will be on hand to provide advice and answers for visitors.
The scheme lasts until September 30 and if it proves popular, there are plans to make it an annual service for tourists between April and September.
Greatest Hits Radio has been hearing from the Town’s newly appointed lead ambassador, and brains behind the project, Pauline Forsyth.
Pauline moved to Girvan around 6 years ago and fell in love with the area. After re-locating from the borders, she moved in right next to the tourist information centre and thought more could be done.
She said: “When I first came to Girvan, I knew it was my forever home. I was introduced to the Tourist Information Point two years ago and I loved my wee Sunday volunteer shift, but I always felt we needed a kiosk, noticeboard or just somebody down at the seafront to help our visitors (and residents) with information about our town.
“At the moment I would say around 70% of our visitors only go to the beach front, and our high street like many others is in a state of decline.
“With this new scheme, we have the chance to push our town and the different things that are offered throughout the town. It would just be phenomenal to get us well and truly on the map and not be known as the pass-through town for people heading to the ferry in Cairnryan.
“I’m so excited to get started with our wee team to try and help Girvan return as a hot spot for visitors. It will be lovely meeting and greeting people while out and about with my team behind me who are Girvan residents through and through.”
Pauline and her team will be easy to spot when out and about in Girvan. The Town Ambassadors will work in pairs, easily identifiable by their blue and gold 'Girvan Ambassador' sashes made by local crafter, Karen McQuisten.
They will also be carrying Go Girvan branded bags containing local leaflets, maps and complimentary dog poo bags, available to anyone requiring them.
The Girvan Tourist Information Point located within The Town House at 25 Knockcushan Street will continue to open between 1pm and 4pm until 30th September