Doon Academy completes Education Scotland follow-up

Doon Academy has been told it no longer requires further Education Scotland follow-up inspections after making significant progress in areas identified during its 2024 inspection. The Dalmellington school has reported improvements in learning and teaching, attainment and pathways for young people. Fourth-level numeracy attainment increased from 26 per cent in 2021/22 to 60 per cent in 2025/26, while fourth-level literacy rose from two per cent to 48 per cent. East Ayrshire Council also reported that 95.2 per cent of S6 […]

08/10/2026 17

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Ardrossan to Campbeltown service cancelled again

CalMac has confirmed that the seasonal ferry service between Ardrossan and Campbeltown will not operate in 2027, marking the fifth consecutive summer without the service. The decision was taken by Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn and has prompted an angry response from the Campbeltown Ferry Committee. The committee says it was “dismayed and extremely disappointed” and had expected the service to return after being told in January that it would operate in 2027. CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison said vessel availability […]

08/10/2026 19

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Troon bakery marks one-year milestone

A Troon bakery has celebrated its first year in business after what its owner described as a challenging but successful 12 months. Black Moon Bakehouse on Ayr Street marked the milestone with a queue stretching down the street and sold out of its stock by 3pm. The owner reflected on the highs and lows of the first year, including long hours, financial worries and the loss of her mother in May. She also thanked customers who bought cakes, shared posts, […]

06/10/2026 21

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Ayrshire Maternity Unit receives generous donation in memory of Autumn

The Ayrshire Maternity Unit has received a £3,750 donation towards its labour ward bereavement team. Christine and Matt Wardrop raised the money in memory of their daughter, Autumn, following her death in 2024. Their fundraising included taking part in the Great Scottish Run with money going towards support for the bereavement team, which provides care and support to families experiencing pregnancy loss and neonatal death. The Wardrops plan for further funds to go to the bereavement team and the charity […]

06/10/2026 16

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Glasses raised at Ayrshire Beer and Cider Festival

More than 150 cask ales were served at Troon Concert Hall as the Ayrshire Beer and Cider Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary. The three-day festival ran from Thursday 1 October until Saturday 3 October and was organised by the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire branch of CAMRA. The event brought together breweries from Scotland and across the UK, with around 25 real ciders and perries also available. Entertainment included music from The Splinters on Friday evening and performances from the Isle of […]

06/10/2026 24

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North Ayrshire fly-tipping fines ranked nation’s highest

North Ayrshire Council has issued more fly-tipping fines than any other local authority in Scotland, according to Scottish Government data. The council issued 201 fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping during 2022-23, compared with 126 from Glasgow City Council. The figures were highlighted as councillors approved a new Clean North Ayrshire strategy targeting littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling. More than 300 volunteers are involved in registered clean-up groups across North Ayrshire, collecting around 3,270 bags of litter from open spaces during […]

06/10/2026 14

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Ayrshire Business Awards hailed an “amazing” night

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce has praised a recent awards ceremony as an "amazing" night as organisations came together to recognise their worth. The 2026 edition of the Ayrshire Business Awards took place at Ayr Racecourse on 2 October, with entrepreneurs and organisations from around the region celebrating their achievements in the working year. The event comes as part of Ayrshire Business Week, running from 28 September until last Friday's event, drawing over 1,200 attendees for opportunities to "exhibit, network, and […]

05/10/2026 58 1

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Men’s shed Viking boat arrives at Ayrshire castle

A Viking-style longboat made by Troon Men’s Shed has arrived at Dundonald Castle after 700 hours of work. The vessel was delivered on Thursday 1 October following a project developed through a partnership between the castle and the community organisation. Six members built the boat in a lock-up in Prestwick, with work beginning in April. It will now support learning activities for visitors and school groups, using hands-on experiences and interactive interpretation to explore Scotland's Viking past.

05/10/2026 26

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Ayr electrical firm awarded apprentice funding

An Ayr-based electrical firm has been awarded £6,000 to support apprentice training. T Walsh Contracts Ltd is one of three businesses benefiting from the new Powering Potential scheme, launched by electrical trade body SELECT and manufacturer Luceco Group. The funding will help cover the first-year cost of employing 19-year-old Thomas Shirkie, who joined the business after completing a pre-apprenticeship programme. Owner Tony Walsh said continued investment in apprentices was vital for the future of the electrical industry.

05/10/2026 26