Bellsbank is a village half a mile away from the market town of Dalmellington in East Ayrshire, Scotland. It is the second-highest place in East Ayrshire; only Muirkirk is higher than this. Bellsbank is now classed as a separate town from Dalmellington.
History
Bellsbank was originally established to provide housing for the population of Benquhat (one of several "ghost" villages in the Doon Valley that have been demolished).
Expanded between the wars to house miners from worked out areas that were relocated there. Laid out by the County Council the houses looked out over Bogton Loch, Craigengillan Estate and the Loch Doon Hills.
Educational provision
Bellsbank welcomed a new primary school in February 2020, to replace the old school opened in 1955. The new school was built in the grounds of the old school and opened to pupils on 9 February 2020. The current head teacher is Donald Currie.
Awards and accolades
Bellsbank was the winner of the Scottish Civic Trust - My Place Award thanks to the partnership between East Ayrshire Council and community group CANI in the Community. Bellsbank has also gained media attention due to a scheme by East Ayrshire Council in partnership with CANI in the Community and the local Primary School in which houses were rendered in pastel colours to improve the look of the village following years of decline.
Administrative centre: Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire Council Headquarters, London Road, KA3 7BU Council structure: Chief Executive: Eddie Fraser; Provost of the CouncilCllr Claire Leitch; Leader of the Council Cllr Douglas Reid
