Achievement of the Ballantrae Trust, Ballantrae Community Council and volunteers

That this House recognises the achievements of, and congratulates, the Board of the Ballantrae Trust, Ballantrae Community Council and the many volunteers from the village of Ballantrae and surrounding areas, who since 2017 have organised and promoted a number of highly successful annual community events, including the Ballantrae Festival of Food and Drink and the Smugglers Festival, supporting local businesses and encouraging tourism; that, following extensive consultation with the local community, prepared a business plan and submitted successful bids for funding to purchase the Kings Arms, the last remaining pub in the village, for use as a community pub and hub, with facilities for the local community and visitors and which will offer local people, skills, experience and the chance to gain qualifications in catering and hospitality, enhancing employment opportunities; and, through the establishment of a community benefit society, the Ballantrae Community Pub Ltd, providing local people the opportunity to purchase shares and be part of ensuring the development, success and sustainability of this fantastic local community facility in South Ayrshire.