An extreme mountain bike track in Dalmellington and improved visitor offerings at Dunaskin Doon Valley Railway are just some of the schemes on the way.
A new path could run from Loch Doon to Patna linking Dalmellington, Bellsbank and Waterside. And Lugar church would be transformed into a heritage centre.
Fifteen apprentices are to work on landscape management in the former coal mining areas. East Ayrshire Council has scooped £2.2 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to make it happen.
The rest of the money will come from the council and other bodies. Commenting on the developments, council leader Douglas Reid said: “It will bring a lot of money into the area to complement the work we are doing.
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