Ayrshire pays tribute to indie icon Douglas

Ayrshire pays tribute to indie icon Douglas

Music fans in Ayrshire have been paying tribute to indie rock icon John Douglas, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 62. The TrashCan Sinatras member has been described as "a dear friend and brother" by his band following his death on 3 August, with a statement confirming he was fighting "a brief illness". Guitarist and songwriter Douglas is best remembered for his influence on the group's successful hits including Obscurity Knocks and Hayfever in the early […]

06/08/2026 215

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Pass rates up for Ayrshire pupils

Thousands of senior pupils across North Ayrshire received their Scottish Qualifications Authority exam results on yesterday (August 4) with the council reporting encouraging early signs across local schools. The council says Higher and Advanced Higher pass rates have improved compared with last year, while the average number of awards achieved by pupils has also increased. Around 79 per cent of fourth-year pupils gained at least one National 5 qualification, matching last year’s figure, while almost 200 pupils achieved eight or […]

05/08/2026 19

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T-shirt release for legend McLeod

Ayr United’s most iconic manager, Ally MacLeod, and his legendary 1969 team are being honoured with the release of a new commemorative t-shirt. The design features the famous image of MacLeod leaping from the Somerset Park dugout alongside the names of the celebrated side that defeated Rangers in one of the club’s most memorable matches. Gail Pirie, daughter of the late Ayr and Scotland manager, welcomed the tribute, saying it helps keep her father’s memory alive for both long-time supporters […]

05/08/2026 21

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Greens MSP calls for data centre pause

Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer has urged North Ayrshire Council to join calls for a pause on new hyperscale data centre developments while national guidance is put in place. The appeal comes as proposals remain under consideration for large-scale data centres at Hunterston and Irvine. Mr Greer says councils are currently being asked to make planning decisions without clear guidance from the Scottish Government and has warned the projects could have significant impacts on energy demand, local communities and the […]

05/08/2026 13

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Waggy Tail Walk for hospice this weekend

Dog owners and their four-legged friends are being invited to Eglinton Park in Kilwinning this Saturday, August 9, for the return of the Waggy Tail Walk and Dog Show in aid of Ayrshire Hospice. The fundraising event will feature a fun dog show, followed by a sponsored five-kilometre walk through Eglinton Country Park, with every pound raised going to help support patients and families across Ayrshire and Arran. Dogs can enter up to three competition categories, with an overall Best […]

05/08/2026 18

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Irvine youngster hits fundraising goal

An Irvine youngster has smashed his fundraising target after taking on a running challenge to support three worthy causes. Eleven-year-old Junior Seggie completed 12 kilometres along Irvine Beach to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity, Irvine and Troon Cancer Care’s volunteer drivers. His own football team, Irvine Meadow 2014, helped with equipment, training, tournaments and matchday costs. Junior has now raised an impressive £2,687 with support by teammates, parents and coaches, with many of his fellow players joining him […]

05/08/2026 18

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Former ice rank site plans accelerate

Plans to transform the former Ayr Ice Rink site continue to gather pace, with the first phase of the redevelopment expected to open later this month subject to council sign-off. The long-vacant site is being turned into a multi-sport facility and wellness centre, with four new Level 7 Padel courts currently awaiting final building control approval. Further developments are also planned, with eeVo Training creating a purpose-built indoor arena for hybrid racing, full HYROX simulations and year-round fitness training. While […]

04/08/2026 22

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Retro vinyl market coming to Ayr

Ayrshire's only dedicated Vintage & Vinyl Market is returning to Ayr later this month, bringing together record collectors, vintage enthusiasts and local traders for a full day of retro shopping. The event will take place at The Cutty Sark Centre on Ayr High Street on Saturday, August 22, from 10.30am until 4.30pm. Visitors will be able to browse records, vintage clothing, collectables and retro finds, alongside boutique craft stalls and food vendors from across Scotland. Organisers are also inviting music […]

04/08/2026 22

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Exam results day for Ayrshire pupils

Students across Ayrshire are among more than 148,000 young people across Scotland receiving their National, Higher and Advanced Higher exam results today. Pupils at schools throughout East, North and South Ayrshire are receiving their grades by first-class post or digitally through their MySQA accounts. This is the first exam results day to be be overseen by Qualifications Scotland, which officially replaced the Scottish Qualifications Authority in February 2026. For anyone who is disappointed with their results or unsure about their […]

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