A social enterprise committed to transforming empty buildings in Ayr town centre has received a national accolade for innovation.
Narture CIC, which has helped deliver a new lease of life to six formerly vacant and underused buildings, has been presented with the Innovation in Place prize as part of this year’s Scotland Loves Local Awards.
Its artist-led model combines an artisan bakery and cafe with artist studios, galleries, workshops and community programmes. The success comes after awards judges heard how Narture’s work ‘demonstrates that regeneration can start with people, creativity and imagination’.
Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr who also joined in presenting the award, said, “Narture do such incredible work in Ayr town centre, they have been able to regenerate lots of empty spaces into creative spaces. I think we have seen a decline in Ayr town centre, we need to start looking at different ways to attract people to town centres and Narture are doing a brilliant job at that.”
Saskia Singer, who founded Narture with her father Robert in 2020, said, “It’s not been an easy six years and there have been plenty of challenges, setbacks and expensive lessons along the way, so to have our work recognised in this way means a huge amount to us. We’re proud of what our team and community have achieved, and this award is a real boost to keep building on that work.”
Narture’s venues are designed to make Ayr more connected and economically resilient. The model has already created 16 permanent jobs, while providing opportunities for local freelance artists and makers.
Saskia added, “Ayr was recently labelled the ‘empty shop capital of Scotland’, and there’s so much negative conversation online about the town, so it’s really rewarding to have some positive news. We hope Narture’s journey can inspire others to see the potential in Ayr, rather than just the challenges.”
Narture plans to extend its model into Ayr’s historic Auld Toy Shop, a former toy shop that operated for some 30 years before the building lay vacant for 15 years. The team hopes to bring it back to life as a new hub for creativity and community through its Culture Collective programme.
Claire Kimmett, representing awards organisers Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), commented, “Narture is a fantastic example of innovation in place, demonstrating how creative thinking and a fresh approach can unlock the potential of vacant buildings and create new opportunities for a town centre. We’re delighted to recognise Narture through the Scotland Loves Local Awards and hope their achievement inspires other places across Scotland to think differently about the potential within their own communities.”
Tom Arthur, Scottish Government minister for business and fair work, said, “The Scotland Loves Local Award winners exemplify the innovation, leadership and partnership that are driving positive change in communities across the country. I offer my sincere congratulations to all those recognised who are helping to shape stronger, more vibrant local places and championing the future of Scotland’s towns.”
