May-Tag's Current Activites

"Robert Burns - where it began", a Heritage Lottery Funded project to celebrate the meeting and marriage of Burns' parent in Maybole by hosting a series of events to enlighten and educate local people and visitors to the town. The year long celebration will culminate in a weekend with concerts in Maybole Town Hall and a re-enactment of the wedding ceremony of William and Agnes.

Young Roots - Carrick Academy School Badge Project. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Young Roots fund, this project will assist young people in the area to research the origins of their school badge, local notables, and their connections to global events around the 18th century. Archives will be produced in paper, electronic and DVD format to be used by future generations.

ACCESS - A training and employment project which assists people to overcome barriers to work and can place clients in suitable industry placements to gain relevant experience.

Maybole One Stop Shop - A new pilot project funded by the Fair Share Lottery Trust which will provide information and advice on a wide range of issues to the local community. Partnering May-Tag in this venture are Over the Rainbow and Maybole and District Seniors Forum.

As a result of discussions with the Cassillis Estate around woodlands development, Community Enterprise in Strathclyde was commissioned to undertake a review of the woodlands projects and to prepare a business plan doe such a developing Social Enterprise in North Carrick. Arising from this application was made to Communities Scotland Future Builders program, which resulted in a £25,000 grant. Also applications have been made to selected trusts for a three year funding package which will staff and drive the project forward.

A parallel development will be the transformation of Maybole Castle as a community Social Enterprise. The castle will be a local heritage center, tourist information point, family history research facility, art and craft studios, café, retail shop, and the grounds as a local heritage site. All of these will bring training, volunteering and employment opportunities to the town.