Plans have been unveiled for South Ayrshire’s first-ever mosque, set to be established in Ayr at the former Railway Club on James Street.

The property, which was listed for sale in April, has been purchased by Al-Farooq Education and Community Centre (AFECC), The National Scot reported.

The Glasgow-based charity AFECC aims to preserve and spread the original teachings of Islam, serving as a welcoming and inspirational hub for the community.

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The organization has now acquired the Railway Club property and is launching a fundraising campaign to transform it into the first mosque in South Ayrshire.

The charity is seeking to raise approximately £149,000 to complete the project.

A spokesperson for AFECC stated, “AFECC is proud to announce the purchase of a property to serve the growing Muslim community in Ayr. To make this project a reality, we need to raise additional funds. The Muslim population in Ayr has steadily increased, creating a strong need for a dedicated space for prayer and community activities.”

Currently, the Muslim community in Ayr gathers for prayer in a small hall above a shop, which can only accommodate 70-80 people.

With nearly 100 local Muslim families from diverse backgrounds, the need for a proper place of worship and community connection has become pressing. The new property, conveniently located near the town center, will provide a much-needed space for prayer and gatherings.