WHAT if... Girvan are looking to speak to locals to develop good business ideas which could make a difference in the town and surrounding villages. 

The groups are looking forward to a busy 2018 and have been inspired by the conversations and activities in the community over the past year and want to continue their work.

They’ve kick started the year with a run of workshops and new opportunities. New for 2018 is their Community Leadership Academy with Columba 1400. 

Columba 1400 are an award-winning charitable social enterprise based in Scotland. 

They have worked with pupils and teachers in partnership with Girvan Academy for six years and their proven and successful Leadership Academies continue to produce impressive results. 

Now the organisation has developed a programme for communities, which it is launching in Carrick in partnership with Firstport.

Colin McKerchar, Director of Partnerships, said: “Through our Leadership academies we’ve seen high numbers of people feeling that they have the ability to take action and change things for themselves or their community.

“By developing this new community approach we hope to see lasting and positive change in Girvan and South Carrick.”

Sally Johnston, What if...Girvan Programme Manager, said: “We are delighted to launch this new partnership with Columba 1400. They are already well-known in the area for their long-standing and successful work in Girvan Academy. 

“Their new community programme can help not only those already on our What if...Girvan programme develop their skills but also build confidence in those who are thinking about setting up a social enterprise.”

Find out more at their information sessions where there will be an opportunity to hear inspiring stories from others who have experience of the Columba 1400 academies and time to ask individual questions. 

Sessions take place on Monday, January 29, from 3.30 – 7.30pm at the Town House, Girvan and Monday, February 12, from 3.30pm – 7.30pm at the Town House, Girvan.