The former Day-Today express convenience store is being refurbished as part of a small grants scheme.

The aim of the scheme, which has now closed to applicants, was to support property owners and tenants to repair the historic fabric of buildings on Maybole High Street.

Mohammed Saleem, who owns 88-90 High Street, successfully applied for a grant, and the funding is being used to improve and repair grant-eligible items such as the walls, roof, and windows of the building. He’s also taking the opportunity to revive the ground floor as a commercial space and add accommodation to the first floor, at his own expense.

The refurbishment project started on site in mid-August and is expected to take around 14-16 weeks to complete.

Chris Cox, assistant director planning and development at South Ayrshire Council, said: “Improvement schemes like this not only aim to bring unused properties back into use, but they can also become a catalyst and encourage other owners to transform their buildings.

“Our high streets have been adapting to pressures for many years now. As a result, we’re working with partners to help property owners reinstate traditional shop fronts. Similar repairs will be undertaken at two further projects in Maybole over the next couple of months.”

“Mohammed Saleem said: “This restoration work is very important and will hopefully breathe new life into the building. This will not only enhance the look of the building but will also improve the high street as a whole which will ultimately appeal to new businesses.

“Maybole High Street will look great again. I would like to thank the council’s regeneration team, Historic Environment Scotland, and National Lottery Heritage Fund, without them, this wouldn’t have happened. I would also like to thank everyone that helped bring this project together.”

The Regeneration Small Grants Scheme has now closed. The scheme was funded by South Ayrshire Council, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.