World Cup pubs conduct praised by council officials

THE CONDUCT of businesses and revellers during this summer’s World Cup has been praised by officials in South Ayrshire. Venues were given extended licences into the early hours to show Scotland’s three group-stage matches but were required to sell tickets for the games amid concerns about high demand. Police Scotland Inspector Ian McColl told South Ayrshire Council’s Licensing Board that there had been no issues across the region with no increase in anti-social behaviour or violence during the fixtures. Licensing […]

27/08/2026 25

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Kilbirnie teen lands West End dream

A 19-year-old from Kilbirnie is heading to London’s West End after landing a role in a new musical production. Eli McFarland has been cast as Young Benoit in Martin Guerre, which will be performed at the Old Vic in October. The role comes just two months after he graduated from the Theatre College of Scotland with an HND in musical theatre. McFarland, who is autistic, was unable to attend most of secondary school and left without qualifications, but his talent […]

27/08/2026 37

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Bus services in place for track upgrades

Passengers across Ayrshire are being warned of disruption this weekend as buses replace services during a £13.5 million track upgrade programme at Kilmarnock Station. The railway between Barrhead and Dumfries will close for 16 days from Saturday 29 August until Monday 14 September, while Network Rail carries out the work, to improve journey times and reliability. Replacement buses will operate between Kilmarnock and Troon, where passengers can connect with trains to and from Ayr. Services will also run between Glasgow […]

27/08/2026 37

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Protest held for Hunterston data centre plans

Campaigners have staged a protest against plans for a £10 billion data centre campus at Hunterston. Developers Eneus Energy say the project could create around 360 long-term jobs and provide a major economic boost. Opposition parties are concerned about the impact on around 131 acres of countryside, with a petition attracting more than 5,000 signatures. Local resident Janet Martin attended a consultation event in West Kilbride dressed as a bat, highlighting concerns about the effect on wildlife. Eneus Energy says […]

27/08/2026 43

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Ayr couple issue challenge over giant sunflower

An Ayrshire couple reckon they could have grown one of the region’s tallest sunflowers — and they’re now challenging other gardeners to beat it. Jackie Ridge and partner Alan say their sunflower in their Ayr garden has reached around 11 feet six inches, joking that it could be the tallest in Ayrshire. The couple grew the plant from seed, initially keeping it in a greenhouse before planting it in their garden in April. Ridge says the sunflower can be seen […]

27/08/2026 32

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Ayrshire pays tribute to Dolly Parton

Tributes have been paid across Ayrshire to country music icon Dolly Parton following her passing yesterday, aged 80, after a “brief battle with cancer”. The Tennessee-born star, known as "The Queen of Country", was renowned for memorable hits across the 1970s and 1980s, including Jolene and I Will Always Love You. The news of her death was followed by a statement read by Bryan Seaver, son of sister Cassie, on behalf of the Parton family, telling of her inspirational journey. Seaver […]

26/08/2026 68

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Irvine dental staff bid farewell

Bank Street Dental Centre in Irvine has said farewell to two members of staff following their retirements. Margaret and Janine both began their retirements within the space of a week. The practice paid tribute to Margaret, saying she would be sorely missed and wishing her happiness as she spends more time reading and crafting. A week later, Janine was described as a “true inspiration”, with colleagues wishing her a happy retirement and encouraging her to enjoy the next chapter of […]

24/08/2026 23

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Ayr metal band in new audience hopes

Ayr-based metal band Hopes Avenue are hoping to help strengthen the alternative music scene in Ayrshire while reaching new audiences with their own music. The group officially formed in 2021 following the release of their debut EP Drift. Dennis Coles, Michael Harvey, Jamie McJannet and Will Phillips draw on post-hardcore, metalcore and pop-punk influences. Their latest singles, Lost in the Moment and Back to Me, have gained traction online, while the band are working towards releasing their debut album before […]

24/08/2026 32

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18k horseback ride in memory of McKee

Ayr woman Michelle McLeish is planning an 18-kilometre horseback ride in memory of her friend Cara McKee, who died on July 15. McLeish, who is 21, will take on the challenge on October 15 — what would have been Cara's 19th birthday. Each kilometre of the ride will represent one year of Cara's life, with Michelle hoping to raise £500 for Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue, where Cara volunteered. McLeish said animals were a huge part of Cara's life and that Hessilhead […]

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