BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The management team at Gibb of Galston have tremendous vision and believe that their site at Threepwood is a futuristic Eco-centre in the Irvine Valley, it is also a centre of education and a centre where the rich heritage, history and nature of the area will be promoted within the natural environment of a 420 acre working farm. To achieve this the following operational strands will be developed:
TOURISM: Threepwood Farm is situated 1.5 miles south of Galston and enjoys the most spectacular views right across the Irvine Valley to Ailsa Craig, Arran and Kintyre, the hills of Arrochar, Ben Lomond and beyond. With these views, beautiful gardens, riverside picnic areas, historic and nature walks and a wildlife site and with ample car parking, Threepwood Farm provides the perfect launch pad for tourism in the Irvine Valley.
WALKING: There is a new 2,500 metre hardcored path which has been enhanced with the planting of 9,000 trees and several picnic areas along the Burn Anne. This is an upgrade and extention of the established walk through Cessnock Woods which connects with a much wider paths network. The visitors' experience has been further enhanced with a series of interpretation boards along the walk giving information on several special interest sites on Threepwood Farm. These depict the rich heritage and history of the area, special attention is drawn to East Threepwood, the ruin of an old farm steading which was the home of renowned Covenantor James Smith and is endorsed as a protected site by Historic Scotland. Another board depicts the rich agricultural and industrial history of the town of Galston and other Irvine Valley towns. From this viewpoint there is an aerial view of Galston and buildings of architectural interest are pointed out. Another board highlights the flora, fauna and wilflife in the area, the farm contains a Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) wildlife site along the Burn Anne. The Burn Anne is known for a special agate which is unique to this area and is used to make traditional Scottish jewellery, this is also highlighted. In addition to the interpretation boards a grant of £5,400 has been made for the production and marketing of promotional materials. A map of the walk has been designed and discussions are currently taking place with regards to the promotion of this leaflet by Ayrshire tourists Board and also by Visit Scotland on their designated web-site. It is also proposed to promote the walk through Historic Scotland.
Special interest groups currently visit Threepwood i.e. gardening groups, ramblers, flower arrangers, walking groups, opportunities in retirement etc. Visitors relax in the gardens, enjoy the picnic areas, visit special interest sites, walk extensively, view the special demonstration gardens on the established farm which are used to try out new ideas and find out about the fascinating history of the area. In the future we propose to build on these groups and encourage others from a wider area to enjoy the unique experience that Threepwood will offer.
PROPOSED HERITAGE CENTRE: it is planned to convert the current Animal Feeds Shop into a heritage centre with coffee shop. This heritage centre/coffee shop will be the hub of the whole eco-centre, promoting history, geology, wildlife, past and modern day methods of farming, rural history and signposting to the paths network.
Pupils from local schools will be involved in researching history and producing visual images which will be displayed as murals around the interior. The Heritage Centre would ensure that educational partnerships are not weather dependent, when outside access is not suitable, any workshops, demonstrations, training and any other interactive activities will be hosted in the Heritage Centre. The long term goal is that this heritage centre will be a centre of education for pupils from any school to visit and learn about the rich heritage of the