Ayrshire parks and spaces award recognition

Eight parks and green spaces in South Ayrshire have been recognised with 2026 Green Flag Awards for meeting national standards for well-managed, clean and safe outdoor spaces. The winners include Ayr Cemetery, Belleisle Park, Rozelle Park, Masonhill Crematorium, and Orchard Gardens. The awards are administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful, which says the recognition highlights the work of councils, community groups and other organisations in providing quality outdoor spaces. There are 92 Green Flag winners across Scotland this year, […]

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Killie two-way traffic set for consultation

Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to comment on proposals aimed at changing traffic arrangements through Kilmarnock town centre. Ayrshire Roads Alliance, working with East Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire 360 and Sweco, is consulting on plans that include reopening Sturrock Street to two-way traffic. Changes are also proposed for Green Street and High Street, as part of wider plans to improve connections around the town centre. The online consultation closes at 11.59pm on Thursday, August 6, with feedback expected to […]

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Irvine’s McNeill celebrates turning 100

Irvine woman Pearl McNeil has celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family, including five generations of relatives. The celebration was held at Towerlands Community Sports Club on Saturday, July 18, with around 70 to 80 people attending. Pearl was born in Ayr and worked at several schools, including the former Fencedyke Primary, and is a keen bowler and founder member of Towerlands Community Sports Club. Asked about the secret to her longevity, McNeill said: “spiced rum and lemonade”.

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Beach water warning issued to swimmers

Swimmers are still being urged not to enter the water at Ardrossan and Saltcoats beaches following a pollution incident caused by a burst sewage pipe on June 29. Scottish Water has confirmed that further repair work is needed on an underground wastewater pipeline near Saltcoats Pumping Station. A temporary overland bypass pipeline will now be installed while permanent repairs are completed. SEPA says water samples have not shown a deterioration in bathing water quality linked to the incident, but its […]

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Hunterston data centre plans prompt protests

Protesters have made their feelings clear towards plans for an Artificial Intelligence data centre in North Ayrshire, on the site of one of Scotland's oldest castles. The proposals for the "hyperscale" multiple buildings complex by Eneus Energy, spanning approximately 88 hectares, at Hunterston Castle Estate have sparked strong local and worldwide objections . Features such as two substations, drainage systems, and access roads have been included in the development near the existing power station and 900-year-old castle on the coastal […]

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Miss Great Britain in charity partnership

Miss Great Britain Ayrshire has announced its first-ever legacy charity partnership, working with Colette, director of Professional Beauty Systems. The partnership will see surplus beauty products donated to North, South and East Ayrshire Women’s Aid. The first delivery of Jerome Russel products has already been made. The donations are intended to support women and children experiencing domestic abuse, with the beauty items designed to bring comfort, dignity, confidence and a sense of support during difficult circumstances.

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Car fires prompt police investigation

Police are investigating after three cars were deliberately set on fire in Skelmorlie on Saturday night. Emergency services were called at around 11.05pm on July 25 after reports that three cars were alight. The fires were extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, with one appliance responding. One person required medical assistance from ambulance crews, and anyone who knows who was responsible should contact 101, quoting incident number 3764 of July 25.

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Muirkirk Gala makes return next month

Muirkirk Gala Day will return next month , with a family afternoon planned for Saturday, August 8. The event will run from 12pm to 4pm at Kames Motorsport Complex and will feature a wide range of entertainment and activities for all ages. Highlights include the Gala Court, dog show, silly science sessions, inflatables, tombola and live music.

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Boxer Cullen left gutted at Commonwealth exit

Kilbirnie boxer Aaron Cullen’s Commonwealth Games journey has come to an end after he was defeated in his men’s 55-kilogram round-of-32 bout on Friday, July 24. The 19-year-old Irvine Elite boxer lost 5-0 on points to India’s Jadumani Singh Mangengbam. Cullen said he was disappointed that his four years of preparation had ended so quickly and felt he had done enough to potentially take the second and third rounds. Despite the result, he has vowed to remain positive and support […]

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