Could you help to shape the future of our town? The community of Galston is being invited by Galston Community Development Trust to attend a meeting on Tuesday 24th January to approve its constitution and register as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Institution.

The meeting, which starts at 7pm in Galston Primary School, is the culmination of months of meetings and planning aimed at giving the people of Galston the chance to get involved in shaping the future of their town.

A steering group comprising community representatives selected by the community was set up in September, supported by Council officials. It has formulated a constitution, code of conduct and application for registration as a charity for the Community Development Trust. These documents, once approved by the community, will then be submitted to the charities regulator, OSCR, for official approval. This process can take up to three months.

The meeting will also consider electing a Community Engagement Steering Group to undertake a series of events aimed at working out what kind of regeneration projects residents and traders want to see in the town. The results of the community engagement will provide the basis for a masterplan of future projects. These priority projects will have the potential to attract funding from bodies such as the Lottery and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Councillor Robert McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration, said: “It has been great to see this Trust coming together with the support and hard work of local people.

"Members will elect the management board of the Trust and will work together to select and implement future Trust projects.

“None of the work so far would have been possible without the support of the wider community. We hope that they will continue to support the Trust’s efforts and actively contribute to enhancing the future of Galston as a place in which to work, shop and live.”

Membership of the Trust is free and open to anyone who lives or works in Galston or supports the aims of the Development Trust. If you are interested in becoming a member and attending the meetings, contact Sylvia Allen on 01563 578168 or Colin McKee on 01563 576759.