The Darvel & Area Regeneration Team (DART) is a registered non-profit organisation (SC049591) committed to enhancing the town and community of Darvel, Ayrshire. As an active and inclusive group, we encourage everyone in our community to get involved and help shape the future of Darvel.

We run a variety of exciting projects and are always eager to welcome energetic and enthusiastic volunteers. Whether you have innovative project ideas of your own or would like to assist with ongoing initiatives, your contributions can make a real difference.

To learn more or to get involved, please contact our Secretary at info@discoverdarvel.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

What we do

DART is at the heart of numerous projects designed to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Darvel. From maintaining and improving public spaces like The Corner and Morton Park to hosting events that bring us together – such as farmers’ markets and live performances—our initiatives foster a vibrant, connected, and thriving community.

Your Generous Donations Help Us:

Maintain and Enhance The Corner: This multi-purpose community hub provides a welcoming venue for social gatherings, performances, and markets. Your support ensures it remains a well-maintained space for everyone to enjoy.
Support Local Events: From lively music festivals to charming community fairs, our events bring joy and strengthen the spirit of Darvel. Your contributions help us create memorable experiences that bring people together.
Improve Public Spaces: Initiatives like Beeing Better and the development of Morton Park aim to create beautiful, accessible outdoor spaces. Your donations enable us to invest in landscaping, seating, and recreational facilities that benefit the entire community.
Preserve Historical Sites: Iconic landmarks like The Town Hall are a vital part of Darvel’s heritage. With your help, we can preserve these treasures for future generations to enjoy and cherish.

How You Can Help:

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. Here’s how you can support DART:

Make a Donation: Click the orange “Donate” button below or contact us directly to contribute financially. Every pound goes directly towards funding our projects and initiatives.
Volunteer Your Time: Can’t make a monetary donation? Consider donating your time instead. We’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with events, maintenance, and community outreach.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who know about DART, the stronger our support network becomes.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Darvel isn’t just a town—it’s a community filled with passionate and caring individuals. With your help, we can continue to grow, thrive, and create a brighter future for all. Thank you for supporting DART and for being an essential part of our journey.

Projects

Looking Ahead to 2026

We’re gearing up for an exciting and ambitious events programme for 2026, filled with markets, festivals, and live music evenings designed to bring the Darvel community together in unforgettable ways. Every event is thoughtfully planned, organised, and delivered by our passionate and hardworking DART Events Team.

To raise the quality and reach of our events, we’ve invested in a range of new professional equipment — including a purpose-built stage, upgraded sound system, advanced lighting, and a large projection screen — allowing us to create truly immersive, high-quality experiences for everyone who attends.

As we look to the future, DART is committed to growing and developing the Events Team, supporting volunteers to build new skills and welcoming fresh ideas and energy. Whether you’re an experienced organiser or simply keen to get involved, there’s a place for you in helping us deliver exceptional events for the people of Darvel.

The Corner — Darvel’s Community Hub

The Corner has grown into one of Darvel’s most exciting community spaces — a vibrant, welcoming hub that’s alive with energy and creativity all year round.

From Darvélo and live music gigs to market days, festive celebrations, and special community gatherings, The Corner now plays host to a dynamic mix of events that bring people together, support local enterprise, and celebrate everything that makes Darvel unique.

Beyond the big occasions, The Corner has become a daily meeting place — a space for workshops, social activities, and local collaborations that strengthen community ties and inspire new ideas.

Our annual community survey continues to show that The Corner and its events are highly valued and widely appreciated by the people of Darvel — reflecting the pride, connection, and sense of belonging that this space helps to nurture.

In April 2025, a stunning mural celebrating Darvel’s heritage and spirit was unveiled, transforming the site and creating a lasting visual tribute to the town’s identity and creativity.

DART remains committed to continuous improvement at The Corner — ensuring it continues to evolve as a welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable space for everyone.

Our programme of events and site enhancements has been proudly supported by the Ayrshire Rural & Islands Ambition (ARIA) Fund.

Darvélo

We are thrilled to announce Darvélo ’26, Ayrshire’s premier festival of cycling for everyone. Building upon the hugely popular and successful Darvélo ’23, Darvélo ’24 and Darvélo ’25, this year’s event promises event more community engagement and excitement.

Darvélo ’26 is designed with families in mind, offering a diverse range of activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. You don’t need to be an expert cyclist to join the fun. Sit and relax at the pop-up Darvélo Cafe at The Corner. Watch, wave and cheer the riders off. Have a refreshing beer or glass of wine at The Handle Bar. Cheer some more when they return safely. Browse the stalls, meet friends, try out bikes and enjoy live music from local bands, great stalls, local street food & drink.

Waterlip Pathway

The popular Waterlip Pathway runs alongside the picturesque Glen Water and the River Irvine, connecting East Main Street to Ranoldcoup Road. This beloved route has undergone significant improvements through three carefully planned phases, thanks to funding from the Government’s Place Based Investment Programme, East Ayrshire Council’s Community Benefit Scheme, and SOLWEC (Spirit of Lanarkshire Wind Energy Cooperative).

The first phase focused on replacing the ageing, dilapidated fence along the Glen Water, enhancing safety for pathway users. Additional shrubs were also planted, further beautifying the area and contributing to the natural environment.

The second phase addressed critical structural issues by resurfacing a section of the pathway at its western end near Ranoldcoup Road. It also included stabilisation work at three locations where the riverbank was undercut by the river, ensuring the pathway’s long-term resilience.

The third phase involved resurfacing the heavily worn section of the path leading down from East Main Street, providing a smoother and more accessible experience for all users. A safety railing has been installed along the steep stretch leading down from East Main Street and a new entrance has been created to the bench adjacent to the path.

Finally, and due to be completed in December 2025, will be the installation of solar powered stud up-lights along the path which will provide both aesthetic enhancement and additional safety on dark mornings and evenings.

These improvements not only enhance the pathway’s usability and safety but also preserve its charm and natural beauty for years to come. The Waterlip Pathway continues to be a vital part of our community, offering a scenic and serene escape for walkers and nature lovers alike.

Darvel Gala Day

In 2025, responsibility for organising Darvel Gala Day was formally transferred from the Community Council to DART, ensuring this much-loved tradition continues to thrive for future generations.

The next Gala Day will take place on Saturday, 20 June 2026, with a dedicated Gala Day Planning Team already developing plans to make it a truly memorable celebration.

All the traditional highlights — including the parade, crowning of the Gala Queen and King, and family activities in Morton Park — will remain at the heart of the event. Alongside these, we’re working to introduce new attractions and experiences that will add even more colour, energy, and community spirit to one of Darvel’s most anticipated annual occasions.

🐝 Bee’ing Better — Growing a Greener Darvel

Across the UK, bees are increasingly turning to towns and cities for food, drawn by the variety of plants in gardens and public spaces. Yet, with climate change placing greater pressure on pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other vital insects, local action has never been more important.

The Bee’ing Better project is DART’s response — a community-led initiative to create vibrant ribbons of wildflowers and spring bulbs weaving through Darvel’s green spaces from end to end. Early-blooming crocuses will offer essential nourishment for bees emerging in spring, followed by rich wildflower beds that provide a continuous source of pollen and nectar throughout the year. These colourful corridors will also offer safe habitats and natural pathways for wildlife to thrive.

The benefits go far beyond biodiversity. Being surrounded by nature — its colours, scents, and life — has a profound impact on mental health and wellbeing, lifting moods, easing stress, and fostering a deeper connection to the environment around us.

As the gateway to the Irvine Valley and Ayrshire, Darvel has a wonderful opportunity to make a lasting impression. The bright ribbons of wildflowers will not only support local ecosystems but also enhance the town’s beauty and appeal, creating a warm and memorable welcome for residents and visitors alike.

🕰️ Discover Darvel’s Heritage Channel

DART is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Darvel’s rich heritage — from its proud industrial past to the people and stories that shaped our community.

Through an ongoing programme of digitisation, we’re safeguarding historical artefacts for future generations. These include photographs, documents, artworks, oral histories, and treasured local objects that capture the spirit of Darvel across the decades.

Our new Heritage Channel brings these collections to life online, making them freely accessible to everyone. It’s a place to explore, learn, and reconnect with the town’s remarkable history — from lace-making and wartime service to innovation, culture, and everyday life in the valley.

Join us as we continue to uncover, preserve, and share the stories that make Darvel unique.

Our site features a captivating collection of images from Darvel’s past, offering rare glimpses into significant moments, such as special community events, the historic lace industry, and Darvel’s profound connection to Sir Alexander Fleming and his groundbreaking discovery of penicillin.

Additionally, you can uncover intriguing stories about local landmarks and historical events, including the Battles of Loudoun Hill, and much more. Join us in celebrating the remarkable history that has shaped our community and continues to inspire us today. Our digitisation project was made possible by The National Lottery.

🏛️ Darvel Town Hall Regeneration Project

DART is proud to be working in partnership with East Ayrshire Leisure Trust (EALT) to reimagine and revitalise Darvel Town Hall — one of the largest and most iconic indoor venues in East Ayrshire.

The project aims to transform this much-loved landmark into a vibrant, flexible, and sustainable community space that celebrates Darvel’s heritage while supporting new opportunities for culture, learning, and the arts.

✳️ Proposed Developments

Among the proposals being explored are:

Exterior refurbishment to restore and protect the building’s historic character.
A welcoming, open foyer to improve access and create a bright, social entrance space.
Permanent lighting and sound systems to support events such as concerts, festivals, and theatre performances.
A modernised library integrated with a relaxing café area, encouraging learning and connection.
Improved accessibility throughout the building to ensure it can be enjoyed by everyone.
A new energy-efficient heating system, replacing outdated infrastructure with heat-pump technology.
Repurposing the upstairs Lesser Town Hall for flexible community, creative, and event use.

🕰️ Preserving Heritage Through Technology

As part of the wider modernisation, many materials from the Darvel Heritage Museum have been carefully digitised and added to the new Heritage Channel on the Discover Darvel Heritage Channel. This growing online archive already features exhibits on the Darvel Lace Queens, the World War I Memorial, Sir Alexander Fleming, and Allanton School — with more artefacts and stories being added as they are rediscovered.

🌟 Looking Ahead

The regeneration of Darvel Town Hall represents a unique opportunity to blend heritage and innovation, ensuring this cornerstone of community life continues to inspire future generations. DART and its partners are committed to making the Town Hall a place where Darvel gathers, learns, and celebrates — together.

🌳 Morton Park Regeneration Project

DART is proud to be working alongside the Darvel Improvement Group (DIG) and East Ayrshire Council’s Greener Communities team in a shared commitment to revitalising Morton Park — a green heart of Darvel cherished by families for generations.

This collaborative project is guided by one simple principle: the voice of the community comes first.
Ongoing consultation with the people of Darvel ensures that every stage of planning and decision-making reflects local needs, aspirations, and pride of place.

🧒 Enhancing the Play Area

Our initial focus has been on creating a safer, more engaging environment for children and families to enjoy together. Early improvements include:

Converting the old sandpit into a soft-play zone for toddlers with new, modern equipment.
Installing additional picnic benches to encourage family gatherings and community events.
Replacing worn matting under play structures to improve safety and comfort.
Developing plans for inclusive play equipment, ensuring all children can share in the fun.

While we explored potential uses for the former band hall, the building’s deteriorated condition means restoration would require substantial investment, so plans for repurposing have been paused pending further review.

🌸 Nurturing Nature and Biodiversity

Beyond the play area, the project also celebrates Morton Park’s natural beauty and environmental heritage.
Community feedback has highlighted how vital biodiversity and access to green space are to wellbeing — guiding the next phase of works:

Planting native trees and shrubs to attract wildlife and improve biodiversity.
Creating an avenue of cherry blossom trees leading from the much-loved Rose Garden to the riverbank.
Rewilding selected areas to foster vibrant, sustainable ecosystems.
Restoring natural spaces, including reopening riverbank viewpoints to reconnect the park with the River Irvine.
Clearing and revitalising Martha’s Burn, restoring its flow and natural setting.
Installing solar stud lighting, providing gentle illumination that enhances safety and ambience without disturbing wildlife.

🌿 A Shared Vision for the Future

Together with DIG and East Ayrshire Council, DART is committed to securing funding that will both preserve Morton Park’s legacy and reimagine it as a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable space for future generations — a place where the people of Darvel can explore, connect, and thrive.

Discover Darvel Project

The aim of the Discover Darvel Project is to establish an online home for all things related to our vibrant and historic town. Our mission is simple: to be Darvel’s premier website, a central hub for residents, visitors, and anyone eager to learn more about the heart of Ayrshire.

Discover Darvel is your go-to resource for news, events, and updates that shape our community. From exploring the town’s rich history and iconic landmarks to highlighting upcoming events and showcasing the best local businesses, our aim is to capture everything that makes Darvel unique.

We’re proud to share Darvel’s story, celebrate its people, and promote its future. Whether you’re looking for recommendations on things to do, want to stay informed about community projects, or simply wish to learn more about this wonderful town, you’ll find it all here.Join us on this journey as we work to build a website that reflects the pride and passion of Darvel’s community. Together, we can make Discover Darvel the definitive platform for connecting, exploring, and celebrating everything our town has to offer.

Visit us often, share your ideas, and help us make this the digital heartbeat of Darvel.

Volunteering

We have a variety of exciting projects and are always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join DART as volunteers. Whether you’re looking to contribute your time or skills, you’ll be warmly welcomed, made to feel at ease, and fully included in our efforts to support the Darvel community.

At DART, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion as core principles of our work.

Equality: Ensuring that everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect. This means actively challenging discrimination and removing barriers to create opportunities for all volunteers to achieve their goals and thrive within our team.
Diversity: Recognising the value of different perspectives, skills, and experiences. We celebrate the unique differences of individuals and are dedicated to fostering an environment where these diverse contributions are appreciated and embraced.
Inclusion: Creating an environment where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, and feels valued, accepted, and heard. We believe that everyone should have the chance to participate and share their ideas.

Join us and help make a difference! For more information or to get involved, please don’t hesitate to contact us.