Artist unveils dream plan for tourist attraction

Dec 18 2009 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AN artist has unveiled plans to transform an Ayrshire beauty spot.

Robert Singer wants to construct a centre of excellence on the Smugglers Trail, near Loans.

His bold vision, revealed this week, includes a public art gallery, wellbeing centre, restaurant and spa.

And he believes the plans aren’t as far fetched as they sound.

Robert, 57, insisted: “I’ve long felt that South Ayrshire is wasting its potential when it comes to things like this.

“There is nothing in the area for creative artists to come back for once they’ve gone to the city to complete their studies.

“I went to Glasgow School of Art in 1996 and had this vision back then.

“I wanted to come back and create something to cater for music, writing and the visual and dance arts.”

Now Robert hopes to join with other artists in making his dream a reality.

His vision statement for the Smugglers Trail site spells out a dramatic change in the landscape.

It reads: “Along the road there are glasshouses and plots growing seasonal fruits, vegetables and flowers that you can buy along with locally reared meats and poultry from the farmer’s shop.”

Robert admitted: “It’s a long term vision rather than something that will happen overnight.

“But I want to work with like-minded people who share this type of desire to see the creative arts flourish in South Ayrshire.

“It’s all about laying a foundation that can be built on in future years.”

Robert, who rents the Waterworks Cottages on Smugglers Trail, will use that as the base for his new gallery.

He hopes to submit a planning application once a group has been established to move forward.

He confessed: “It’s still at an early stage, but I’ve had the idea for this for many years.

“We need to establish a proper group with proper funding sources and then move on from there.

“But with the area’s rail, sea and air connections, it is something that would surely be successful.”