Ayrshire’s favourite ice cream ranked

Ayrshire and Arran’s favourite ice cream flavour has been named in a new survey released ahead of National Ice Cream Day. Scottish Tablet topped the list with Raspberry Ripple placing second locally, while Belgian Chocolate claimed third place. The results came from Equi’s Ice Cream, which analysed sales data from more than 500 stockists across Scotland, including supermarkets, independent retailers and ice cream parlours. Family-run Equi’s, founded in 1922, produces more than 60 flavours using locally sourced milk and cream […]

20/07/2026 21

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Spanish aircraft draws Prestwick crowd

Hundreds of aviation enthusiasts gathered around Prestwick Airport over the weekend to watch the arrival and departure of four rare Spanish Harrier aircraft. The Spanish Navy's EAV-8B Harrier II jets flew in from a detachment in the United States. Based at Rota Naval Station in southern Spain, the aircraft are famous for their ability to take off and land vertically without needing a conventional runway. Large crowds of plane spotters to the airport’s viewing areas followed flight-tracking apps to catch […]

20/07/2026 24

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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 39

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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 25

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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 28

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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 29

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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 18

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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 45

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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 […]

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