Ambitious plans to expand the childcare services base in Auchencairn have received a funding boost.
Up to eight children are currently looked after morning and afternoon in a cramped room at Heughan House.
But now owners Auchencairn Initiative want to extend the rear of the property to provide more space.
And this week they were awarded £10,000 by the Scottish Government to progress the scheme.
The Investing in Communities Fund cash will finance a feasibility study on the extension.
Auchecairn Initiative chairperson Anne Williams said: “We are absolutely delighted about getting the £10,000.
“The feasibilty study will include architects drawings on how we can extend Heughan House at the back.
“If the answer is yes that would allow us to apply to other bodies for grants to build it.”
Present space constraints mean Scruffs’ childminding and early learning base cannot take in babies under 12 months or autistic kids.
That means Auchencairn parents have to place children elsewhere for childcare while they are at work.
Mrs Williams said: “We are looking at a roofed extension with lots of glass around it.
“There would be space for babies under a year old to have a sleep there.
“At the moment parents are making a round trip of 20 miles to Castle Douglas and Dalbeattie, where that facility is available.”
She added: “We do have to see if this is feasible.”
Manager Michelle Tranmore said: “We want the facility to be there for mums going back to work after six months.
“It would be great if we could have a quiet sleep space for babies.
“We could also cater for children on the autistic spectrum.
“They would get one to one care – but we need enough room for us to do that.”
She added: “It could mean we could up our numbers as well.”
