Dunaskin Doon Band has submitted a Community Asset Transfer request to take ownership of the former Mossblown Library on Annbank Road. The charity group has proposed a purchase price of £20,500 for the building.
The band wants to transform the premises into a “vibrant and welcoming hub” that promotes “community connection” and musical participation for people of all ages. If the application succeeds, it would provide a permanent home for current members while opening opportunities for wider community involvement across different backgrounds and life stages.
Band’s vision for the building
A supporting statement from Dunaskin Doon Band says: “Our vision for the former library at Mossblown is to transform the building into a vibrant community hub that promotes connection, creativity, and musical engagement for people of all ages. If our application to take ownership of the building is successful, it will provide Dunaskin Doon Band with a permanent base while opening opportunities for wider community use and participation.”
The statement adds: “Securing a permanent home has long been a key aspiration and strategic objective for the band. The current committee is fully committed to safeguarding the band’s long-term sustainability, and ownership of suitable premises is fundamental to achieving this. A dedicated base will allow the band to grow, plan for the future, and broaden its contribution to the community.”
Letters of support
The application includes several letters of support. Mrs Carol-Anne Bums, head teacher at Park School, wrote: “Dunaskin Doon Band have supported Park School and the wider community in a variety of ways. One of the most beneficial is their support of Park School Christmas Fayre where they volunteer their time and talent for the benefit of the school and the local community.”
She added: “The band and its members are an asset to not only our school but to the community. Dunaskin Doon Band promote a sense of community, which they achieve in the way they lift spirits and give a genuine feel good factor. I would fully support their request for community asset transfer. They're a wonderful community asset that should be supported.”
A letter from Mauchline Parish Church Mission Committee stated: “Dunaskin Doon Band has a long tradition of nurturing musical talent, supporting youth development and promoting community involvement across South Ayrshire and the other local authority areas. Their commitment to fostering musical experiences and opportunities for all ages is commendable. The Community Asset Transfer is a valuable opportunity to preserve a community resource and to support the social infrastructure of Mossblown.”
Tarbolton Community Council added: “We believe the Community Asset Transfer to the Dunaskin Doon Band represents a unique opportunity to preserve a community asset and to invest in the social infrastructure of Mossblown. We wholeheartedly endorse this application.”
History and next steps
Dunaskin Doon Band was formed in March 1869, originally believed to have been a works band at a time when the iron furnaces at Waterside were in full production. The band’s supporting statement notes: “The band has a long and distinguished history and is well-established and widely respected throughout Ayr and the surrounding area. Membership of Dunaskin Doon Band is regarded as both an achievement and a source of pride.”
The statement concludes: “The committee is committed to building on this strong reputation, and ownership of the building would allow it to become a true ‘home’ for the band—a place to settle, grow, and continue developing the legacy established over the past 157 years.” Donations to the group’s fundraising campaign can be made via JustGiving.
