Groups react to completed harbour purchase

Groups react to completed harbour purchase

Campaign groups fighting for the future of Ardrossan Harbour have reacted to the news of the Scottish government's official purchase of the site. A deal was struck nearly a fortnight ago between public bodies Peel Ports and Caledonian Maritime Assets LTD for the North Ayrshire port. The site now officially goes into public ownership with CMAL, who already own 27 west coast harbours, taking control on behalf of the government. The cost agreed between the two parties is still unknown […]

18/03/2026 5

News

Tributes flood in for legend Fleeting

Ayrshire has been paying tribute to an "absolute gentleman", Jim Fleeting following the news of his passing yesterday aged 70. The former Ayr United player and Kilmarnock manager's death was announced on Sunday 15 March, with supporters believing he was "the nicest guy in football". Father to former Scotland international Julie, Fleeting finished his managerial career by taking the women's national team in 1998. Supporters on both sides of the Ayrshire divide shared their memories of his career on social […]

16/03/2026 153

News

Yellow wind and rain warning hits Ayrshire

A YELLOW WARNING for wind and rain has been issued across Scotland for today, and Ayrshire is one of the various regions affected. The Met Office issued the alert earlier this week with periods of strong gusts, reaching up to 50-55 miles per hour, and heavy downpours to be on the way. With South and North Ayrshire Council being coastal areas, the Office has predicted winds to reach 60 to 70 miles per hour and are asking people in those […]

12/03/2026 39

News

Record-breaking piping event looks to build

A Scottish pipe band community for schools has praised a recent "record-breaking" event in Ayrshire, and is looking to build for next year. Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT) gave thanks to 172 schools that attended this years Championships at Kilmarnock's William McIlvanney Campus on Sunday 8 March. The packed event hosted the likes of Irvine schools, Strathmore schools, and Edinburgh's George Watson College competing in categories such as freestyle and quartets. Following the trust celebrating the event, they are […]

10/03/2026 24

News

Comeback cinema group praises organ arrival

The Friends of the Broadway Prestwick has praised an "amazing" donation of an original organ, in the midst of its restoration. The Wurlitzer organ was welcomed by the Prestwick cinema group, following its donation by a private collector, and will become Scotland's first since the golden age of the 1930s. Originally developed to accompany the classic silent films , the American-built instrument will make its return as the reopening of the South Ayrshire venue nears. Guy Walker, Chair of Friends […]

06/03/2026 43

News

Community groups’ joy at harbour purchase

Negotiations to buy Ardrossan Harbour concluded earlier this week, much to the "great relief and joy" of campaign groups fighting for its future. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP announced at Holyrood on Tuesday that a deal was struck for the North Ayrshire port between Peel Ports and Caledonian Maritime Assests Ltd (CMAL). Hyslop assured that the agreement would be signed later this month to secure public ownership. The news comes after questions over the site's future, that campaigners believed the […]

05/03/2026 29

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Data centre plans under debate

Plans for an artificial intelligence centre in Ayrshire, predicted to be "one of the largest on earth", has come under debate with environmental and job concerns arising. Lanarkshire-based Intelligent Land Investments (ILI) Group has proposed the technology hub to be built near HMP Kilmarnock, as one of three "hyperscale" Scotland sites. Their project, named The Stoics, a £15 billion Green Digital Network for the central belt, has been criticised with regards to its impact on the surrounding area and job […]

03/03/2026 58 3

News

Ayrshire council tax rises to protect services

Ayrshire local authorities have approved council tax rises for 2026/27, with one believing "reflects the determination to minimise any rises while protecting services". North and East Ayrshire agreed to the move during the week, with the former increasing its taxes by 8.5 per cent and the latter by 6.9 per cent. For East Ayrshire, it remains the "lowest increase across Ayrshire" with the other authority believing the move comes from a "challenging" budget being set. One area of focus pointed […]

28/02/2026 74

News

Ayrshire MSP calls for rail line investment

An Ayrshire MSP is calling for UK government investment to improve one of the region's rail lines, where disruptions and faults are "common". Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, has shared his concerns with others in the council area for the Glasgow to Largs line. North Ayrshire-based Gibson believes that issues linking the coastal town and city has often left "passengers stranded without clear information". A Facebook post by Mr Gibson said: "I have again been contacted by several constituents […]

26/02/2026 120

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