A campaign has been launched to have the Baird Institute in Cumnock open for longer and more often.

Michael McPake from the town has met dozens of people who have travelled from across the country to visit the museum, only to find it closed.

Now Mr McPake is posting letters in shops and businesses across Cumnock to find out if there is support for his ideas.

He said said: "A lot of people pointed out to me, and I'd noticed, that the doors were practically always shut - but they are open three days a week.

"When it is open it is fantastic, there are groups of people that do fantastic work.

"They exhibit stuff, local people do a lot of stuff, a lot of kids interaction stuff - it's really good - and the staff that are there are excellent and know their stuff.

"But unfortunately it's only open three days a week - on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday."

He added: "The people in Cumnock want it and I'm trying not to organise any clubs or groups or be a spokesman.

"The people in Cumnock are the spokesman gathered as one."