Plans to transform Galston hotel step closer to reality

Plans to turn a former hotel into a community hub for the people of Galston have today received a welcome cash boost.

Thanks to a Big Lottery Fund award of £328,579, Galston Community Development Trust is now one step closer to beginning work on developing the community owned former Portland Arms building at the heart of the town centre.

The refurbishment will create facilities for local business start-ups, a sales outlet for local produce and space for a wide range of community activities and services.

David Richmond, chairman of Galston Community Development Trust, said: “The Trust are thrilled for the people of Galston that they are the first group to receive funding from the Big Lottery Community Assets Fund. In less than a month we hope to be able to sign the contract to start the regeneration of the Portland Arms, which has been derelict for 15 years, into a vibrant Community Hub which will provide opportunities, activities and jobs for Galston and the wider community.”

Announcing the grant, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn, said: “I am delighted to see the Galston Community Development Trust benefit from our first Community Assets grant. There is a strong appetite in communities across Scotland to purchase and develop local assets and we know the positive difference this can make. This regeneration project in Galston has the potential to create new jobs, support local businesses and provide social, recreational and educational opportunities for local people. It is a great use of National Lottery money which will deliver huge benefits for this enterprising community.”