Primary School shortlisted at Podcast Awards

Lochnorris Primary School in Cumnock is celebrating after being shortlisted in two categories at the Scottish Podcast Awards. The school’s innovative “Write Record Produce Release” podcasting programme has involved more than 150 pupils and recently reached its 100th episode. The project was created and delivered by Cumnock-based podcast producer John McBlain, who has also received an individual nomination in the Entertainment and Pop Culture category for his podcast, John’s Jotter: 1999. The awards ceremony will take place at the Old […]

11/06/2026 16

News

Ayrshire beaches retain prestigious national award

Beaches in South Ayrshire have once again retained a prestigious award from an environmental charity, recognising their high standards in areas such as biodiversity and cleanliness. The Scotland’s Beach Awards from Keep Scotland Beautiful have recognised Ayr, Girvan, Maidens, Prestwick, Troon and Barassie beaches for meeting criteria that highlight the environmental, economic and aesthetic value of Scotland’s coastline. The South Ayrshire beaches are among 52 across the country to be included in this year’s awards, which recognise coastal environments as […]

10/06/2026 32

News

Wellington Square protest draws crowd in Ayr

Around 100 people gathered in Wellington Square in Ayr on the evening of June 9 following a national call for demonstrations. The gathering took place after reports of an alleged stabbing attack in Belfast earlier the same day. Protesters assembled in the town centre, drawing attention from residents and passers-by. The event attracted significant local interest, with crowds gathering in Wellington Square during the evening. Police monitored the situation as the demonstration took place in Ayr town centre.

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East Ayrshire schools asbestos figures revealed

More than 1,600 items containing asbestos have been recorded across East Ayrshire schools, according to local authority figures. The information emerged through council records relating to school buildings across the area. The materials have been identified and logged as part of the council’s ongoing property management and monitoring processes. The council maintains records of asbestos-containing materials and manages them in line with established safety procedures and regulations.

10/06/2026 22

News

Rotary makes donation to Crosshouse Fund

The Rotary Club of Alloway has presented an £800 donation to the Crosshouse Children’s Fund, supporting services for babies, children and families across Ayrshire and Arran. Crosshouse board member Drew Hughes recently attended a Rotary Club meeting to discuss the charity’s work before returning to receive the donation from club president Bill Campbell. The fund provides support for children receiving care at Crosshouse Hospital and Ayrshire Maternity Unit. Graeme Strawhorn, lead for Crosshouse Children’s Fund, thanked the Rotary Club and […]

10/06/2026 14

News

Poets’ Corner work set to begin

Work is due to begin on June 19 on a new town centre feature in Kilmarnock known as Poets’ Corner. The project will create a public space in front of the Robert Burns mural at the corner of John Dickie Street and Strand Street. Plans include an ornamental seat, flower planters and an ironwork inscription featuring a verse from Burns’ poem The Ordination, which celebrates the people of Kilmarnock. East Ayrshire Council says the development forms part of the wider […]

10/06/2026 17

News

Dog rescue charity marks four years

An Ayr dog rescue is celebrating four years as a registered charity, marking another milestone in its work. Saving and Rehoming Strays, founded by Claire Revis, have been rescuing dogs from Romania for more than a decade, with around 50 dogs now being cared for at any one time. Many of the animals are older, disabled or have ongoing health issues, and the organisation says around 90 per cent of them that cannot be rehomed remain at the sanctuary permanently. […]

10/06/2026 10

News

Doon Campus work set for 2027

The timetable for the Doon Valley Community Campus project in Dalmellington has been updated as financial pressures continue for the development. According to a council report, work is now expected to begin on the £33 million project in April 2027. Work on the site had originally been expected to start earlier, but rising costs and wider market conditions have affected planning. The first phase of the development is targeted for completion by August 2028, while the remaining phases, including demolition […]

09/06/2026 22

News

Stevenston pensioner begins UK charity cycle

A Stevenston pensioner is preparing to take on an extraordinary cycling challenge in aid of charity. John Baxter, 78, will leave Land’s End on Friday, June 12, and cycle around 1,100 miles to John o’ Groats. He expects the journey to take around three weeks, travelling approximately 50 miles per day along the east coast route. The fundraising effort is in support of Tearfund, a charity working with communities in some of the world’s poorest countries. John said he was […]

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