Roofing project at Auchincruive praised for skills, teamwork and community impact

A community roofing project at Auchincruive has been praised for delivering lasting benefits to both residents and young people, while transforming a derelict building into something positive once again.

The initiative, led by Andy Kerr, Operations Director at KRB Group (Ayr) Ltd, brought together professionals, students and residents in a hands-on effort to rebuild a collapsed and dilapidated roof at River Gardens, Auchencruive. The building is linked to a local alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility where residents are supported to make meaningful and positive changes in their lives.

Those involved in the project described it as a genuinely uplifting experience, with the work going far beyond simply repairing a roof. As well as restoring part of the site, the initiative created an opportunity for residents to work alongside experienced tradespeople and students, helping them develop practical skills, teamwork and confidence in a supportive environment.

The project formed part of the wider Future Roofing Project, which is designed to give Scotland’s Nat 5 students real-world experience in the trade. According to the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, students involved in the Auchincruive work were able to build on their slating skills, take part in measuring roofs and materials, and gain first-hand experience of working like professional roofers while learning traditional roofing techniques and materials.

Andy Kerr said the students had grown in confidence and continued to improve with each lesson, adding that their teamwork and willingness to learn had been impressive throughout the project.

For Auchincruive, the benefits were clear. A neglected structure was brought back into use, residents were given the chance to be part of something constructive and rewarding, and young people considering a future in the industry were able to see how their skills can make a real difference in the community.

The project also highlighted how practical training can have a wider social value, strengthening connections between education, industry and local support services. This is an inference based on the project’s stated aims and outcomes in the NFRC report.

The NFRC said the work showcased the importance

of raising the profile of roofing careers while creating opportunities for aspiring tradespeople to learn in real community settings. The organisation also noted promising discussions involving DYW Ayrshire, Greenwood Academy and Auchenharvie Academy about potentially expanding the Nat 5 roofing course to more campuses in the future.

Overall, the Auchincruive project stands as a powerful example of how skilled trades can help rebuild more than buildings alone, offering purpose, encouragement and a sense of achievement to everyone involved.