THE countdown to the opening of the ‘Portal and Townhouse’ is on.

Key figures involved in the development toured local schools before the summer holidays to share their excitement with local pupils.

The schools included St Mark’s (pictured), Woodlands, Glebe, Castlepark and Loudoun Montgomery.

The first visit saw council architect David Watts and Cultural Services Manager Lesley Forsyth provide progress on the development.

They gave the young people brief descriptions of the building project including the roles of different staff and specialists, such as architects, engineers, stone masons and quantity surveyors and allowed the children to see pictures of the work carried out to date.

Claire Williamson, an archaeologist from Rathmell Archaeology in Kilwinning, also visited the schools.

She gave pupils an opportunity to handle some finds and discuss their interpretations of the past from the objects. Claire also introduced some ideas for what items pupils might want to put into the time capsule.

Further visits will be made to the schools after the summer to produce some creative writing based on the archaeological finds, discuss what represents life in 2016 and which items they should include in a time capsule.

The classes participating will be invited to The Portal in the Autumn to bury the time capsule in the gardens.

Council Leader Willie Gibson said: “I think it’s fantastic that we’re engaging with so many young people to make sure they feel a part of this exciting project.

“The facility is for everyone in North Ayrshire but particularly the young people. The Portal will give them a lifetime of memories and we’re delighted they are already feeling part of something extremely special.”

Claire Williamson of Rathmell Archaeology, added: “The young people got really involved in the discussions and it was great to be able to provide them with some historical context.

“We are delighted to be involved in the project and hopefully we’ve inspired them to come up with some brilliant ideas for the time capsule.”
The new facility is due to open early 2017.

When complete, the new £20m leisure centre will incorporate; A 25m x 6 lane swimming pool, teaching/warm up pool with changing facilities and spectator seating, a six court multi-use sports hall for all indoor sports , community facilities, a fitness suite and multi-use studios, a café, the historic Town House, tourist information including local places of interest, heritage trails, festivals and events, information on genealogy, local and family history and also serve as a venue for wedding ceremonies, civic functions, artists in residence, exhibitions and performances.