Council proposes £1.5m community fund

Communities across North Ayrshire could soon benefit from a new investment fund worth almost £1.5 million from this month. North Ayrshire Council’s cabinet has proposed the creation of the Our Places, Our Communities Fund, using part of an underspend from the authority’s 2025/26 budget. The fund would support projects suggested by local residents to improve neighbourhoods and public spaces. Ideas could range from community tidy-ups and maintenance work through to larger regeneration projects.

09/06/2026 25

News

Taj confirms new Kilmarnock venue

One of Ayrshire’s most established restaurants is preparing to expand with a new venue in Kilmarnock. The family behind Taj Prestwick has confirmed it will take over the former Caffe Sala premises on Queen Street. The restaurant team says the new venture will be operated by the same family, using the same chefs and authentic recipes that have built the business’s reputation over decades. The new restaurant is expected to open soon, with further updates on an official launch date […]

09/06/2026 98

News

Ayr fan honoured at Scottish awards

An Ayr United supporter has been recognised at the Pride of Scotland Awards after overcoming a life-changing cancer diagnosis. 18-year-old Connor Elliot from Ayr was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma in November 2022 and later lost a leg as part of his treatment. Despite the challenges he has faced, Elliot has continued to pursue his passion for football. He is now a rising star with Scotland’s amputee football team and is being honoured for his determination, resilience and inspirational achievements.

09/06/2026 20

News

Runners praised for Sunday Killie run

Participants in an annual Ayrshire run have been praised for their "incredible effort" in the event, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. Roon The Toon in Kilmarnock ran on Sunday 7 June, starting from the town's Athletics Arena with its 10km route stretching to Gargieston and the town centre. Supporters of families and individuals taking on the run lined the streets of the East Ayrshire town, spurring them on to the finish line of the "well organised" event. Social […]

08/06/2026 156

News

Ayrshire pubs earn top reviews

TripAdvisor reviews have highlighted five pubs that continue to attract strong praise from customers across Ayrshire. Among the venues featured were Harbour Lights and The Carrick in Irvine, Drouthy Neebors in Largs, The Red Squirrel in Stevenston and The Newton Bar in Millport. Reviewers praised the venues for their welcoming atmosphere, quality food and friendly service. The list was compiled from customer feedback and reflects some of the region’s most popular destinations for meals, drinks and social gatherings as the […]

08/06/2026 16

News

NHS ambulance delays hit 16 Years

New figures have revealed that ambulances serving NHS Ayrshire & Arran spent a combined 144,873 hours waiting to unload patients at hospitals between 2022 and 2025. The data, released following a freedom of information request, equates to around 16-and-a-half years of ambulance turnaround time. Ayrshire and Arran recorded the fifth-highest total among Scotland’s health boards. The Scottish Ambulance Service said pressures remain significant due to hospital handover delays. NHS Ayrshire & Arran said it continues to work closely with ambulance […]

08/06/2026 13

News

Ayr Hospital hosts regional awards

More than 125 people gathered at University Hospital Ayr to celebrate this year’s Ayrshire Achieves awards, recognising outstanding contributions across health and social care. The event brought together staff from NHS Ayrshire & Arran and the region’s health and social care partnerships, with finalists recognised across a range of categories. Winners were selected through public and staff voting. Among those honoured were the Spiritual, Staff and Person-Centred Care Team, Rachael Picken from North Ayrshire, the Vibrant Voices Singing Group and […]

08/06/2026 17

News

Ayr Tartan Army eyes World Cup trip

Members of the Ayr Tartan Army are eyeing another memorable football adventure as prepare to follow Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. The supporters previously travelled to Germany for Euro 2024, where they joined thousands of Scotland fans for the national team’s return to a major tournament. Now attention is turning to the World Cup, with Ayr-based supporters looking forward to travelling across the Atlantic to back Steve Clarke’s side on football’s biggest stage.

08/06/2026 14

News

Ayr bar raises £1,000 for charity

More than £1,000 has been raised for charity after a successful live music fundraiser at Wellingtons Bar in Ayr. The popular venue hosted a full day of live performances, attracting customers and supporters throughout the event. Organisers confirmed a total of £1,034.37 was raised for the chosen charity. Staff at Wellingtons thanked everyone who attended, donated and supported the fundraiser, helping to generate a significant amount for a worthy cause while showcasing local talent.

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