Royal support for East Ayrshire coal-mining communities
His Royal Highness King Charles has sent a message of support for a special conference exploring strategies to make Cumnock and Doon Valley a better place to live, work, play and visit.
The King told the audience in Cumnock that he was well aware of the work of event organisers The 9CC Group and their potential impact improving the quality of life for residents and limitless opportunities, particularly for future generations.
Ayrshire’s Vice Lord Lieutenant William Stafford delivered the King’s personal message adding that it ‘reflects not only recognition, but also a shared commitment to the values and purpose that bring us together.’
The conference at the Dumfries Arms hotel explored ‘Building community Wealth through Strategic Collaboration.’ It included a keynote speech from UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP, panel discussions and presentations outlining strategic priorities.
King Charles said: “The impact of the loss of the coal industry in the area over many years has had a massive adverse effect on the local economy and communities.
“The transition to wind and solar energy and this investment ‘that companies such as Brockwell, Invenergy, On Path Vattenfall and others are making’ can only be a positive step forward and the 9CC have a pivotal role in delivering the benefits. I hope that the conference is a great success.”
Numerous windfarm developers and community organisations were in a attendance on Tuesday January 20 to hear presentations from Strathclyde University’s Professor of Sustainable Energy Business and Policy Matt Hannon and The 9CC Group’s chief operating officer Stephen McCarron on the Strategic Area Priority Projects.
The 9CC Group is a charitable organisation uniting nine communities around a powerful vision to distribute community benefit to create a lasting legacy for Cumnock and Doon Valley and build a better place to live, work, play and visit.
It represents Auchinleck; Cumnock; Netherthird; Cronberry, Logan & Lugar; New Cumnock; Dalmellington; Patna; Drongan, Rankinston & Stair; and Ochiltree & Skares.
Vice Lord Lieutenant Mr Stafford said: “Letters such as this remind us that the issues we are discussing here resonate far beyond this room. They speak of leadership, responsibility, and the collective effort required to shape a stronger future.
“His Majesty’s words acknowledge the importance of our discussions and encourage us to continue this work with integrity, collaboration, and ambition.”
For more information
Please refer to the 9CCG website
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