nationalisation of coal in 1947 brought investment and with the building of the barony power station, which was commissioned in 1957, the future of the region seemed assured. however, within 30 years the fortunes of the area, so tied to coal, followed the spectacular demise of deep pit mining. lacking an economic source of fuel as mines closed, the power station shut down in 1989, high house pits closed in 1983, and auchinleck village subsided into post-industrial recession. however, with the recent acquisition and subsequent development of dumfries house in the area by prince charles, duke of rothesay, and with new building taking place in the area there are signs of 'green shoots'.