Ken Johnstone has been appointed Chair of South Carrick Community Leisure (SCCL) following a special board meeting last week. He now leads SCCL's efforts in preparing to operate the brand new leisure and community centre – The Quay Zone - being built in Girvan.
Ken – formerly Vice Chair – takes up the post after Andrew Sinclair stepped down to concentrate on his family and charitable work abroad. Ken brings a wealth of experience to the post with an extensive career in chemistry, computing and management
He first came to Girvan in 1967 as a Research Chemist with the then Alginate Industries (now FMC), before helping his wife run their guest house in Girvan.
He then moved into consultancy and went back to university before taking up a post as an analyst/programmer – regularly visiting his caravan in Maidens during this time.
Having lived in Livingston since 2001 he moved back to Girvan when he retired in 2007 and continued to work at the heart of the community, which includes chairing Girvan Community Council.
Joining Ken, is John Barr, who becomes Vice-Chair. After a successful career as a main board director at Barr Holdings and Managing Director of the quarry and industrial divisions, John retired from the company in 2012.
Still with a strong sense of public duty and a desire for community empowerment, John became involved in various local projects.
He secured the future of Solway Precast – ensuring the economic viability of the village of Barrhill. He also served on the Kirkoswald, Maidens and Turnberry Community Council – including a period as Chairman – and is active in the Rotary Club.
Ken Johnstone said, "We're in the final few months of preparing to operate the Quay Zone and I'm thrilled to be working with John, my fellow board members, the Council and our construction partners to take this element of this project over the finishing line.
"None of this would have been possible if it wasn't for the efforts of Andrew Sinclair who has done a magnificent job of getting us to this current position. His dedication and hard work have been second to none and I wish him well for the future.
"I'm honoured to take up this position and will do all I can to live up to the trust that has been invested in me. The entire board of SCCL is committed to giving South Carrick the leisure centre it so much deserves and needs and we're getting closer to that milestone every day, which is amazing."
John Barr added, "The completion of the Quay Zone will make a tremendous difference for the people of Girvan and the surrounding areas and I look forward to working with Ken and our fellow board members to be ready to operate the new facility early next year."
Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said, "Sincere congratulations to Ken and John on their new roles. While they have both been very much involved with the project through the SCCL board, they're now steering the ship and I look forward to working with them as we move ever closer to the facility being opened and welcoming customers.
"We're making terrific progress and, this time next year, the Quay Zone will be well and truly open for business and that's something we can all smile about."