Another four shop fronts in Millport are to be improved as part of the Millport Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

The Shopfront Improvement Scheme is a grant programme providing financial assistance for regeneration of historic properties and to improve streetscape by restoring traditional shopfronts and architectural details within designated area of Millport Conservation Area.

The project, representing an investment of £1.5million, is jointly funded by Historic Environment Scotland and North Ayrshire Council and will run until March 2021.


To date, two shopfront schemes have been completed - Deep Sea Fish & Chicken Takeaway and Marina's Hairdressing – and a further 13 owners have expressed interest in the scheme with work at four set to begin towards the end of the summer.

Yildirim Guzelkabaagac, from Deep Sea Fish and Chicken Takeaway, said: "I would recommend this grant scheme to every shop owner in Millport. You get beautifully done frontage for a great price, so you can invest more into your business. Every little helps!"

Conservation repairs to two priority properties will also start around the same time, with another two to follow in the autumn.

The programme for Small Grants scheme is also being developed with four properties signed up already and three more interested in the scheme.