An award-winning historic Ayrshire attraction and community hub has vowed to do everything it can to help boost the region’s economy.

Friends of Dundonald Castle, the charity that oversees the daily running of Dundonald Castle and owns the Visitor Centre, has signed the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, promising to prioritise spending and supporting local enterprises whenever it can.

It has been a member of the Scotland Loves Local South Ayrshire Gift Card scheme for a number of years.

An international visitor attraction, the 14th-century landmark is also a community hub which showcases the work of at least 20 local artists, crafters and makers in its gift shop.

Lynda Hardman, the Castle’s Cafe Manager, said: “Everything that we can source locally, we do.

"From the village butcher (Rankins Family Butcher), the baker (Del’s Rolls) and the candle maker (Stanecastle Candles) to packaging and cleaning supplies (GMC Corsehill).

"Even our ice cream (Ice Cream Factory) and cheesecakes (Scottish Creamy Cheesecake Company) are supplied locally.”

Organisations and people across the country are being urged to sign the Scotland Loves Local Pledge, which says they will “choose local, prioritising the people and businesses around us at every opportunity”.

The Friends of Dundonald Castle has signalled its statement of intent as part of Scotland Loves Local Week, which runs from August 26 - September 1.

Some of the suppliers it works with gathered to highlight the platform that the Castle and Visitor Centre provides.

Lynda added: “We have both tourism and community at the heart of our model. We try to work with local suppliers as much as possible, as well as being a real community hub for the village.

“People from all over the world visit us. But, at the same time, we welcome several community groups to use the space, from our Knit and Natter group, Castle Cronies history group to our Young Archaeology Club, with many more in between. ”

Everyday operations at Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre are operated by the Friends of Dundonald Castle, which employs 17 staff and is supported by a near 40-strong band of volunteers.

South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell and South Ayrshire Council leader Councillor Martin Dowey visited as the Friends signed the pledge.

Anne Campbell, chairperson for FoDC, said: “Dundonald Castle is truly one of Scotland’s gems, tucked away in the quiet, rural landscape.

"We support our community and our community supports us. Everyone benefits.

“The more we can do for the community, the more we are finding that the community is supporting all that we are doing. It is fantastic to see this partnership developing.”