ITS population of 19,000 is spread over such towns as Newmilns and Darvel, not to mention the hamlet known as Moscow.

And while it has sampled the bitter taste of industrial decline, Easy Ayrshire's Irvine Valley has been showing the rest of Scotland what can be done with a sustained effort at regeneration.

Though its traditional lace, weaving and mining industries are not as prominent as they once were, the area has successfully reinvented itself by embracing modern pursuits such as skiing and annual music and walking festivals.

An investment of around £1 million will see new ski-slopes being opened in the middle of January at the Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex.

The new slopes at the volunteer-run complex represent what Neil McKenna, East Ayrshire Council's external funding and sustainability officer, describes as a "terrific recreational and economic boost" for the area.

A second phase is expected to include a community hub facility and enhanced mountain-bike tracks. It will be the largest snow sports and ski facility in South-West Scotland.

Irvine Valley has also exploited its colourful past, which includes Galston's three castles and, at Loudoun Hill, victorious battle sites associated with William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.

Legend has it that drafts of the 1707 Treaty of Union were discussed under the Auld Yew Tree in the gardens of Loudoun Castle, which was once described as Scotland's Windsor Castle.

The Irvine Valley Regeneration Partnership, which was set up in 1999, has a long-term vision of diversifying the local economy through tourism, industrial development, and such activities as cycling, walking, fishing and shooting. The Darvel Improvement Group and Galston Community Trust also encourage cultural, heritage and environmental projects.

Mr McKenna said: "Like many other areas the valley has first-hand experience of industrial decline affecting our traditional industries, but we do have a lot to celebrate.

"The partnership's method was to celebrate the past while moving on with a new identity. One aim was to pioneer an eco-tourist angle, with such events as the walking festival.

"New walking routes have been opened up not only through the valley's towns but also connecting the area to the wider Whitelees wind-farm complex at nearby Eaglesham and Craufurdland Castle and Fishery near Fenwick."

The council's Supporting Vibrant Communities Division seeks to empower local communities to work with residents and the council to develop sustainable projects.

Newmilns, the oldest of the valley's towns – it became a burgh in 1492 – has recently opened a Burns Trail. Burns had many connections with the area – Lanfine House, which dates from around 1772, was built by the poet's father-in-law, Robert Armour.

Galston, which has three castles – Loudoun, Barr and Cessnock – has become established as a tourism and heritage attraction, while the newly established Galston Trust has projects and community initiatives lined up for 2013-14.

The Darvel Music Festival, which is run voluntarily by Mr McKenna and his wife Sheila, has attracted fans from America and across Europe, with almost 200 acts from Eddi Reader and Hue and Cry to Muddy Waters Jr and top jazz guitarist Larry Carlton appearing at the town hall since 2002. This year's festival is scheduled to run from May 2 to 5.

Councillor Bobby McDill, spokesman for Delivering Community Regeneration, said: "Darvel is the birthplace of Alexander Fleming, the dis-coverer of penicillin, but whereas the town was once associated with him, and with lace and weaving, it is now being established as a music town."

The councillor added: "There is much beautiful countryside in Irvine Valley and it is only 22 miles from Glasgow, and while it does have a passion for its past we like to think we have shown what can be achieved by a co-ordinated and intelligent community-based approach."