Ayrshire College hosts mental health screening

Ayrshire College hosted a special screening event at its Kilmarnock campus as part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2026. The screening of Scottish film The Low Road took place on Thursday, May 14, and brought together more than 60 organisations from education, health and community sectors. The event explored topics including trauma, grief, suicide prevention and recovery. College staff said the programme was designed to encourage open discussion and strengthen partnership working around mental health support. Following the screening, guests […]

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Taxi driver thanks passenger after diagnosis

An East Ayrshire taxi driver has thanked one of his passengers for helping to “save his life” after a conversation about prostate cancer led to an early diagnosis. Brian Kelly picked up Prostate Cancer UK volunteer Tam Hewitt during a taxi journey across Glasgow in the summer of 2024. During the trip, Mr Hewitt spoke about the importance of PSA blood tests and raising awareness around prostate cancer in older men. Although he had no symptoms, Mr Kelly later asked […]

26/05/2026 27

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Holy Fair makes return this weekend

The countdown is on for the return of the Mauchline Holy Fair, with organisers promising the biggest celebration yet when the historic event returns this weekend. The annual fair takes place on Saturday, May 30 across the East Ayrshire town, bringing together live music, family entertainment, heritage and community spirit in honour of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns. The free event recreates the atmosphere of the traditional fairs Burns himself would have attended, while blending modern attractions and performances for […]

25/05/2026 142

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Soaring bank holiday heat for Ayrshire

Ayrshire is expected to enjoy more warm and sunny weather this bank holiday weekend as temperatures across Scotland continue climbing during the latest heatwave. Forecasters say much of the west coast will stay dry and bright, although north-west parts of Scotland could see breezier and cloudier conditions later in the weekend. Health officials are also reminding people to take care in the heat, especially older residents and vulnerable groups, with advice including staying hydrated and avoiding the hottest part of […]

25/05/2026 17

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Dunlop celebrates 100th birthday

Jean Dunlop MBE is celebrating her 100th birthday at Renaissance Care’s Malin Court Home in Maidens this weekend, surrounded by family and friends. Jean, a former head teacher at Ballantrae Primary School, said she credits her long life to “good behaviour” and staying active. She will also receive a congratulatory telegram from King Charles as part of the celebrations. Born in Portpatrick on May 23, 1926, Jean was awarded an MBE in 2000 for services to the community. Her birthday […]

25/05/2026 55

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North Ayrshire gym wins planning approval

Mission:FIT in Kilwinning has welcomed planning approval from North Ayrshire Council after a retrospective change of use application was approved this week. The Alexandra Terrace gym had operated for almost four years before operators realised formal permission was required. Gym boss Roy Blakely described the process as stressful, while thanking supporters including team members Nicki Duffy and Cameron Blades. Despite objections relating to parking, noise and suitability of the premises, councillors approved the application after receiving around 20 comments supporting […]

25/05/2026 29

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Ayrshire pub confirms surprise reopening

The Kirkton Inn in Dalrymple is preparing to reopen after closing suddenly earlier this year. The popular Main Street venue confirmed the news through a newly launched Facebook page. The pub and restaurant shut its doors in April 2025 and was later placed on the market with offers over £450,000. New teasers shared online have shown off refreshed interiors ahead of the reopening. The Kirkton Inn has encouraged customers to follow its social media pages for further updates, with locals […]

25/05/2026 214

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Charity match to honour former pupil

A charity football match is set to take place in memory of former Belmont Academy pupil Tia Muir, who died a day after her 15th birthday in July last year following a battle with an aggressive brain tumour. Organiser Iain Wilson hopes to raise £1,000 for Ayrshire Cancer Support through a JustGiving fundraiser linked to the event. Tia had been diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma at Crosshouse Hospital after several weeks of illness. The charity match will take place at […]

25/05/2026 21

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Lowland Gathering returns to Girvan

The countdown is officially on for the 43rd Carrick Lowland Gathering at Victory Park in Girvan, with organisers preparing for another packed day of entertainment on Sunday, June 7. The annual event, organised by Girvan and District Attractions, will run from 11am until 4pm, with the official opening taking place at 12.45pm by this year’s Chieftain, Provost Iain Campbell. Mr Campbell described the gathering as one of South Ayrshire’s most cherished annual events and praised the dedication of the volunteer […]

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