Historic Ayrshire sites make risk register

Historic buildings across South Ayrshire have been added to SAVE Britain’s Heritage’s Buildings at Risk register, highlighting concerns over some of the area's most significant landmarks. Place such as Baltersan Castle, Bobby Jones Ballroom, and Boswell Park Bingo Hall, formerly The Playhouse were named on the register. SAVE Britain’s Heritage says the list is intended to encourage new ideas for restoring neglected buildings and bringing them back into active use. The organisation says protecting these landmarks is important for preserving […]

05/07/2026 30

News

Classic car show returns to Largs

The Largs Classic Car Show will return to the town's promenade on Sunday, July 26, bringing a full day of classic vehicles, family entertainment and local traders to the seafront. More than 50 classic and retro cars have already been confirmed for display, with owners travelling from across the west of Scotland. The free event runs from 10am until 4pm and will also feature street food, handmade craft stalls and motoring memorabilia. The show is being organised by SHS Markets […]

04/07/2026 46

News

Cumnock strongman secures European place

A Cumnock strongman has secured his place on the European stage after an impressive performance at Britain's Strongest Masters competition. Dougie Black, who owns The Unit gym, finished third in the Britain's Strongest Masters Over-40s event, earning qualification for Europe's Strongest Man later this year. The police officer and coach says reaching this level is a career highlight and hopes his success encourages more people to take up strength training. His gym also continues to offer free memberships for people […]

04/07/2026 32

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1000th new home milestone for council

North Ayrshire Council has reached a major milestone by handing over the keys to its 1,000th new home built since 2014 as part of its Strategic Housing Investment Plan. The landmark came as residents began moving into 50 new energy-efficient homes on the former Garnock Academy site in Kilbirnie. The development includes a mix of family homes, amenity bungalows and wheelchair-accessible properties. Delivered in partnership with Ashleigh (Scotland) Limited, the project also received £5 million in Scottish Government funding, with […]

04/07/2026 26

News

Charity plea for Aldi donation scheme

Charities and community groups across Ayrshire are being encouraged to sign up to Aldi's surplus food donation scheme ahead of the busy summer holiday period. Working alongside the community giving platform Neighbourly, Aldi redistributes surplus food from its stores that is approaching its use-by date. The supermarket has already donated more than 8.8 million meals this year and expects to provide a further one million meals during the school holidays. Local organisations not already involved can register their interest through […]

04/07/2026 31

News

Ayr cinema to host autism-friendly screening

The Astoria Cinema in Burns Statue Square, Ayr, is hosting an autism-friendly screening of Toy Story 5 on Sunday, July 5, offering a more relaxed cinema experience for families and film fans. The special screening will feature slightly raised lighting, lower sound levels, no adverts or trailers before the film, and guests will be free to move around the auditorium if needed. The sessions are designed to make cinema more accessible for autistic people and anyone who benefits from a […]

04/07/2026 29

News

Killie and Ayr bid for UK Town of Culture

Two Ayrshire towns will be running for a UK Government initiative, and are calling on the region's people to celebrate their "incredible communities". Kilmarnock and Ayr will be running for the UK Town of Culture 2028 in a bid to showcase "original storytelling, and empowering, accessible culture". Building on the UK City of Culture programme success, the competition aims to recognise towns of all sizes that use culture for "community pride, economic growth, and long-term regeneration". The towns will be […]

02/07/2026 77

News

Consultation launched for 20 mph limit

North Ayrshire Council has launched a public consultation on its new 20mph speed limit programme across towns and villages. The online consultation opened on July 1 and will remain available until August 26, giving residents, businesses and road users the opportunity to share their views on the temporary speed reductions introduced across residential streets and urban areas. Feedback will help the council decide on the permanent future of the 20mph programme, which forms part of the Scottish Government’s National Strategy […]

02/07/2026 33

News

Wind strikes causes ferry disruption

CalMac has cancelled its late evening ferry from Brodick to Ardrossan because of strong winds affecting services. The scheduled 7.20pm sailing on Wednesday, July 1, was called off, with ferry operator CalMac warning that other sailings between Troon and Brodick could also be cancelled at short notice depending on weather conditions. As a result of the disruption, the 7am sailing from Ardrossan on Thursday, July 2, was also been cancelled. Alternative sailings will operate using MV Isle of Arran before […]

02/07/2026 26