A BRASS band’s bid to bring a Dreghorn hall back into community use was given the go ahead.

Budding young musicians are poised to benefit as plans to breathe new life into a former community centre reached a major milestone this week.

North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet agreed to a community asset transfer which will see Dunlop Memorial Hall in Dreghorn fall under the ownership of the award-winning Irvine and Dreghorn Brass Band.

As well as a large, sound-proofed room for the brass band, members also plan a recording studio, a small concert venue for the community, individual tuition rooms, a music library, with office/social space and meeting facilities.

The band, who were crowned ‘Best in Scotland’ at the Scottish Brass Band Association’s Championships, required to find new accommodation Woodlands Pavillion is no longer suitable. The Dunlop Memorial Hall provides a suitable alternative and builds upon the band’s long connection to Dreghorn.

The move will see the hall, which was home to the council’s library headquarters, handed back to the community allowing more residents to get involved in music.

Alister Cush, Band Chairperson said: “We are over the moon to hear that our application for the Dunlop Memorial Hall has been successful.

“Taking ownership of the hall will enable the band to develop and grow and provide more opportunities for members of the community to be involved in music making. Moving the band back to its roots in Dreghorn is an added bonus.

“We are really grateful for all of the support that we have received from North Ayrshire Council and other community groups and individuals that have provided their help. We can’t wait to move into the hall and look forward to the new challenges and opportunities it will bring us.”