Ayrshire charities receive thousands in council donations

South Ayrshire Council has donated £8,500 each to Ayrshire Hospice and Ayrshire Baby Loss Support during a presentation at County Buildings in Ayr. The funding will help both organisations continue their work supporting families, patients and communities across Ayrshire and Arran. Ayrshire Hospice provides specialist palliative care and support services, while Ayrshire Baby Loss Support works with families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal loss. Council representatives praised both charities for the support they provide locally and said the donations […]

18/05/2026 32

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Ayr Hotel boss marks 30 years

A major milestone is being celebrated at the Mercure Ayr Hotel as general manager Lindsay Steel marks 30 years with the business. Lindsay first joined the hotel in May 1996 before working her way through several senior roles. She became general manager in 2005 and has helped oversee a period of major growth and recognition for the Ayr seafront venue. During her time leading the Mercure, they have picked up a number of national hospitality awards and remains one of […]

18/05/2026 41

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Cheapest supermarket revealed from report

A new report could make a difference for shoppers across Ayrshire after Asda was named the UK’s cheapest supermarket for branded groceries for the third month running. According to Which?, the consumer group compared 240 everyday items, including Nescafe coffee and Pampers nappies, and found Asda came out cheaper than Tesco and Sainsbury’s even without loyalty card discounts. With household costs still tight for many families in places like Ayr, Kilmarnock and Irvine, the report says some shoppers are paying […]

15/05/2026 35

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International Ayr Show trader applications open

Applications are now open for traders wanting to take part in the 2026 International Ayr Show at Ayr Low Green. South Ayrshire Council is inviting food vendors, craft stalls, retailers, charities and local organisations to apply for trading spaces at the event, which takes place on September 4 and 5. Separate application forms are available for food and non-food traders, with organisers looking for a wide range of high-quality businesses and exhibitors. The deadline for applications is June 5, with […]

15/05/2026 38

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Steam engines to visit Ayrshire

Three vintage steam traction engines are set to visit Ayrshire later this month as part of a 300-mile fundraising journey across Scotland and England. Vernon, believed to be the last traction engine ever built by Ransomes, will travel alongside fellow engines Nelson and Queen Mary. The group is due to visit Ardrossan on Thursday, May 21 before heading to Dalmellington on Friday, May 22. The trip is raising money for the RNLI and Give A Kidney charity. The engines will […]

15/05/2026 126

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Latest Ayrshire fuel prices revealed

Drivers across Ayrshire are seeing major differences in fuel prices depending on where they fill up, according to the latest regional comparison. BP on Western Road in Kilmarnock was listed as the cheapest place for unleaded petrol at 134.9p per litre. Burnpark Filling Station on Ayr Road and Campbell Fuel Oils on Denholm Way in Kilmarnock were also among the lower-priced sites. Meanwhile, Mayfield Service Station in Saltcoats and BP on Littlestane Road in Irvine were among the most expensive […]

15/05/2026 65

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Police probe serious town centre assault

Police have taped off part of Kilmarnock town centre following a serious assault in broad daylight on Thursday May 14. Emergency services were called to St Marnock Place at around 4.40pm after reports of an attack in the area. A 45-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The scene outside La Dragon restaurant, across from Kilmarnock police station, remained cordoned off while officers carried out enquiries. Police Scotland confirmed investigations are ongoing to establish the […]

15/05/2026 111

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Diving club call for meeting support

An Ayrshire diving club are calling on "as many people as possible" to turn out for a key meeting, to determine the future of the sport in the west. Ayr Diving Club put out the appeal on their social media this week as councillors will vote today (14 May) whether the activity will remain in the region. Ayr's Citadel diving pool has become the focal point for participants in the sport over the years, but concerns are growing over it's […]

14/05/2026 66

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Town Hall gardens revamp approval

Plans to revamp Ayr Town Hall Gardens have officially been approved by South Ayrshire Council’s Regulatory Panel. The works will upgrade the public space beside the Cutty Sark site and near the bottom of Ayr High Street. The project includes new seating, improved lighting, planting, cycle storage, digital information screens and upgraded surfacing throughout the gardens. Councillors backed the proposals unanimously during a meeting on May 13, with members describing the area as in need of a fresh new look […]

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