Residents warned of fly-tipping penalty risks

Residents warned of fly-tipping penalty risks

North Ayrshire Council are being residents that they could "inadvertently" put themselves at risk of fly-tipping following recent discoveries at clothes banks. The local authority issued the warning today after sightings of discarded bags next to clothes point bins, warning that a financial penalty is possible. They assured that many people across the region "do their best to support good causes" through clothes donations to charity shops and clothing banks. Any donations left on the ground beside bins are said […]

10/07/2026 21

News

4G masts set to boost rural signal

Mobile phone coverage in parts of rural Ayrshire is set to improve after new 4G mast upgrades were activated through the UK Government's Shared Rural Network programme. Among the areas expected to benefit are Ayr, Carrick, Girvan, and Sliddery on the Isle of Arran. The programme has now brought 50 upgraded 4G masts online across Scotland, aiming to improve connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors while helping tackle long-standing mobile signal blackspots.

10/07/2026 8

News

Ayrshire snubbed by UK Town of Culture

Ayr and Kilmarnock have both missed out on the shortlist to become the UK's first-ever Town of Culture in 2028. Applications were submitted by South Ayrshire Council for Ayr and East Ayrshire Council for Kilmarnock, but neither town was included among the final 15 shortlisted locations. The competition attracted 398 applications from across the UK, with shortlisted towns each receiving £60,000 to prepare a full bid. The eventual winner will receive a £3 million grant to deliver a major programme […]

10/07/2026 12

News

Three towns councils in funding concern

Concerns have been raised over how £20 million of Pride in Place funding could be distributed across the Three Towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston. Stevenston Community Council claims an equal split between the three towns would leave Stevenston's identified neighbourhoods receiving significantly less funding than other areas. The group has also questioned how community representation on the new funding board could be arranged. North Ayrshire Council has responded by saying no decisions have been made and that the newly […]

10/07/2026 9

News

Road safety roadshow coming to Ayrshire

A free road safety roadshow will visit communities across Ayrshire this summer, giving families and young people the chance to learn more about staying safe on and around the roads. Organised by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance in partnership with North Ayrshire Council, the events will include interactive road safety activities, games, emergency service displays and Allan's Magic Road Safety Show. The roadshow will visit Alloway Parish Church Hall on Wednesday, July 15, Cumnock Town Hall on Wednesday, July 29, and […]

10/07/2026 7

News

Medical practice closure to honour Havers

Wards Medical Practice in Kilmarnock will temporarily close on Friday, July 17, from 10.30am until 1.30pm, to allow staff to attend the funeral of former colleague Vicky Havers. Havers worked at the practice for more than 20 years before retiring and was remembered by colleagues as the "heart, soul and joy" of the team. She was affectionately known as "the vampire" because of her skill in taking blood samples and was praised for the compassionate care she provided throughout her […]

10/07/2026 11

News

Plans unveiled for Burns Square milestone makeover

Plans have been unveiled to transform Ayr’s Burns Statue Square as part of celebrations marking the 135th anniversary of the landmark. South Ayrshire Council and the Ayrshire Roads Alliance have developed proposals to create a more welcoming civic space, including increased greenery, new public seating and a refreshed layout. Primary school pupils in Ayr have been invited to contribute artwork for the project by designing sculptures inspired by animals and species mentioned in Robert Burns’ poems. If approved, the scheme […]

09/07/2026 14

News

Squash club prepares for 24-hour fundraiser

An Ayrshire sports club is preparing to take on a 24-hour fundraising challenge in support of a regional charity. Townend Squash Club in Dreghorn Squashathon for Ayrshire Hospice will run from Saturday, July 18 into Sunday, July 19, with members keeping a squash ball in play for a full 24 hours . At least two players will be on court throughout the challenge, with members covering day, evening and overnight sessions. The event will also include coaching sessions with Scotland […]

09/07/2026 12

News

New Ayr soft play set for opening

A new soft play and café is set to open in Ayr’s Kyle Shopping Centre, with the owner aiming to create a family-focused community hub. The venue named Playr will open in the former Topshop unit in September, with owner Heather Hayward hoping to create local employment opportunities and support suppliers in the area. Plans include a café serving homemade food, as well as children’s play sessions, birthday parties and spaces for community groups, meetings and family events. Recruitment for […]

09/07/2026 8