In 2019 members of Ayton Local History Society reflected concern in the village about the deteriorating state of St Dionysius, the former village parish church. Ivy, which had been present for several years, had almost totally covered the ruin and obscured the remaining structure. It is registered in the Historic Environment Scotland Buildings at Risk Register.

​

A public meeting was arranged by the History Society in June 2019 and following good support from the public, a new organisation called Ayton Heritage was formed. This became a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) with charity number SC049592. Membership of the organisation is now over 40 and is run by elected trustees.

​

Although the only project presently in hand is the preservation of St Dionysius, the organisation is set up with a constitution which will allow other heritage projects to be undertaken in the future.