Ayr Rugby Club is marking a historic moment as development at its Millbrae home continues. 

Phase one of the Macdonald Legacy development got underway on March 11, which will see a new access road and car parking created before an all-weather pitch and floodlighting.

Contractors WH Malcolm have been on site constructing a new barrier into the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum car park and installing safety fencing in the museum grounds.

Tree surgeons have been busy removing trees and scrub from the footprint of the new access road which will connect Millbrae with Murdoch’s Lone.

Thursday, April 4 was a historic day for the club as a section of the red sandstone wall that separated Millbrae and the Burns Museum came crashing down with the help of a 14-tonne excavator.

Within seconds the opening was created, marking a new dawn for the club.

The ambitious plan to develop Millbrae as a sporting and community development is now a reality, with phase one and two expected to be completed by November 2024.

This will be followed by phase three which will include refurbishment and extension of the clubhouse to make a new gym, café, studio and gender-neutral accessible changing facilities.

Brian Williamson, Ayr RFC Chairman, said, “All of this has only been made possible by the funding provided by the Macdonald Legacy and the assistance given by the National Trust for Scotland and South Ayrshire Council.

"Together we have worked through complex negotiations to secure the necessary land and servitude rights to form the new access road from Murdoch’s Lone to Millbrae.

"This will be a game changer and make the facilities of Ayr Rugby Club accessible to all for generations to come.”

Alan Macdonald, who set up Macdonald Legacy in memory of his son Barry, said, “This is a significant moment for Ayr Rugby Club and the wider community.

"I am delighted that work has started and would like to thank everybody who has helped us get to this point.”