Preserving Dunure’s Coastal Legacy

Bringing together heritage, community and investment
to shape Dunure’s future.

Derek Chapman

Dunure is home to some of Scotland’s most remarkable coastal heritage, from its historic harbour to the ancient seat of the Kennedys. To preserve and better share these assets for future generations, an ambitious application has been submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).

This bid is being led through a strong partnership between Dynamic Dunure and South Ayrshire Council, combining local passion with the technical and financial support needed to deliver lasting change. It represents a truly collaborative vision, shaped by the community itself.

Dynamic Dunure reflects the voices and efforts of local groups including Dunure & Fisherton Community Council, Dunure Harbour Association, Dunure Youth Club, Coastal Rowing and Watersports Club, Fisherton Church, Fisherton Primary Parents Association, and Kennedy Hall & Park. Together, they have helped create a plan rooted in local priorities.

The project aligns with the North Carrick Community Benefit Company (NCCBC) Foundation for Recovery, ensuring it contributes to wider regeneration and long-term resilience across North Carrick. At its heart is the recognition that Dunure’s identity is deeply connected to its historic environment. But these assets are under threat.

Structures such as the Harbour Light Tower are suffering from coastal weathering and require urgent restoration using traditional skills to prevent permanent loss. At the same time, Dunure’s rich heritage – spanning the harbour, limekilns, Kennedy Hall, dovecote and castle – remains physically disconnected, making it difficult for visitors and residents to experience the full story of the village.

The project seeks to address this by creating a cohesive and accessible heritage journey. Interpretation boards will link key sites, celebrating the fishing community, the influence of figures such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and the wider history of the Firth of Clyde.

A central element is the creation of a safe, environmentally sensitive path connecting the harbour to Kennedy Park. Currently, movement between these areas can be difficult and unsafe. The proposed route – including a new pedestrian bridge with viewpoints and seating – will provide an attractive, traffic-free link. This will guide visitors past key landmarks, from the harbour through the limekilns and Kennedy Hall, into Kennedy Park, home to the castle, dovecote, labyrinth, butterfly garden and the future Helm community hub.

This improved access will encourage outdoor activity, support wellbeing, and make Dunure more inclusive for all ages and abilities. It will also enhance the village’s appeal as part of the Ayrshire Coastal Path, encouraging visitors to stay longer and supporting local businesses in a sustainable way.

Environmental enhancement is another key priority. The project will integrate with existing community initiatives, including the labyrinth and proposed butterfly garden, ensuring that natural heritage is protected and celebrated alongside the built environment.
Alongside this heritage work sits a complementary long-term vision: The Helm. Planned for Kennedy Park, this multi-purpose community building will provide a modern hub for village life. With over £2 million committed by South Ayrshire Council for the building, bridge and associated works, it represents a once-in-a-generation investment in Dunure’s future.

The closure of Fisherton Church and the limitations of Kennedy Hall have highlighted the need for a new, accessible gathering space. The Helm will meet this need, offering flexible facilities for meetings, activities, and events. Designed to be fully accessible and environmentally sustainable, it will serve all sections of the community.

Beyond daily use, The Helm will host a wide range of events, from celebrations to community gatherings, in a unique setting overlooking Dunure Castle, the Isle of Arran, and the coastline.

While The Helm itself sits outside the NLHF application, the heritage project is designed to directly support it. Of the total funding bid of just under £900,000, £40,000 is allocated to heritage interpretation within The Helm. This will ensure the new hub includes high-quality displays and learning resources that tell Dunure’s story.

Together, these projects deliver on the aims of the NCCBC Foundation for Recovery: using heritage as a driver for economic and social renewal, improving connectivity across the village, and promoting sustainable tourism that respects Dunure’s character.

This is a rare opportunity to unite heritage, community and environment into a single vision, creating a connected, accessible village where history and modern life support each other. With strong local backing and strategic investment, the project aims to secure a vibrant and sustainable future for Dunure while preserving the unique qualities that make it so special.
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