Supermarket plans for former Kilwinning Rangers ground

Plans to sell the former home of Kilwinning Rangers for a supermarket are set to be considered by North Ayrshire Council. The council's cabinet is being asked to approve the sale of former Abbey Park, unoccupied since The Buffs’ lease ended in 2020, and an adjacent yard at Dovecot Lane which has been empty since 2017. Six objections have been received, with concerns including increased traffic and congestion, the loss of open space and potential impacts on wildlife and local […]

01/09/2026 34

News

Stevenston bowlathon to raise Beatson funds

A 12-hour charity bowlathon is set to take place in the Three Towns later this month. Members of Stevenston Masonic Lodge (Lodge Stivenstoune Thistle and Rose Number 169) will take on the challenge at Ardeer Recreation Bowling Club on Friday, September 11. The bowlathon will run from 9am until 9pm, with participants raising funds throughout the day for Beatson Cancer Charity. Organisers are encouraging support for the event, with all money raised going towards the charity.

01/09/2026 31

News

Loudoun stars ready to rock in Troon

A Queen musical is set to take centre stage in Troon next week as Loudoun Musical Society celebrates its 50th anniversary. The group will perform We Will Rock You at Troon Town Hall from September 9 to 12, featuring 24 of Queen’s biggest hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga and We Are the Champions. The show is set in a future where live music has been banned, following a group of young rebels fighting to bring rock music back […]

01/09/2026 37

News

Weekend of mixed fortunes for local sides

Kilmarnock's defensive woes continued as Ayr United were held to a "disappointing" draw against Morton in a mixed weekend for Ayrshire's football clubs. Neil McCann's Kilmarnock suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at home to Dundee United on Saturday, leaving them winless from their opening three Premiership matches and having conceded 13 goals. The result comes just two weeks after the Rugby Park side's thrilling Ayrshire derby victory over Ayr United in the Premier Sports Cup. Kilmarnock were three goals down […]

31/08/2026 55

News

Hayes Garden Land rebuild after blaze

Hayes Garden Land near Symington is continuing its rebuild after a devastating fire forced the popular family-run business to close for a number of months. The business, which began in 1988, was feared to have been lost following the blaze but temporary planning permission was approved by South Ayrshire Council for a marquee and associated facilities while insurance matters are resolved. Hayes has now announced an enclosed café, increased seating for up to 80 people, a relocated Airstream and a […]

31/08/2026 39

News

Best Ayrshire café rankings revealed

Five Ayrshire cafés have been highlighted among the region’s best-rated places to eat, based on TripAdvisor ratings and reviews. Vegan Earth in Ayr takes the top spot, with a five-out-of-five rating from 117 reviews. The Harbourside in Dunure, The Dancing Midge Café on Great Cumbrae, GG’s Coffee Shop & Sports Lounge in Irvine and The Gypsy Cream in Largs also feature. The cafés were praised for everything from homemade cakes and scenic views to food, service and welcoming surroundings.

31/08/2026 26

News

Irvine man targets Snowdonia Challenge

Irvine man Levi Charlton is continuing his series of ultra-endurance races in aid of Whiteleys Retreat, based near Ayr. The 53-year-old British Gas worker has already completed the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, Devilla 8-Hour Trail, 50-mile Pennine Way Ultra and the 104-mile Ultra Scotland. After recording a DNF at the GB Ultra Brecon Beacons 100 Mile race, Levi bounced back by completing the Dunoon 33 Mile Ultra in August. He is now preparing for the Snowdonia 100 Mile race on September […]

31/08/2026 23

News

National Trust to lead Culzean public dig

A public archaeological dig is set to take place at Culzean Castle’s West Green, giving people the chance to explore more about the history of the site. The excavation will be led by the National Trust for Scotland and will look at how the location developed from a medieval stronghold into a country house. The dig will focus on an area believed to contain historic structures, potentially including defensive walls, service buildings and garden terraces. The event takes place on […]

31/08/2026 28

News

Former Grange pupil sets Scottish exams record

A former pupil from an East Ayrshire secondary school has set a new Scottish record for most Advanced Highers achieved in one sitting. Ethan Chan, who attended Grange Academy in Kilmarnock, achieved an "amazing" seven As and two Bs in nine subjects at the level during this year's exam diet. Chan, who will study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, becomes the second former Grange pupil to set the record, following Hannah Martin’s achievement of eight Advanced Highers in […]

28/08/2026 157