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 […]

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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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Ayrshire town included in horror stories

A new collection of Scottish horror stories includes a tale set in Dalry during the Great War. Pòl Miller's story, The Light That Casts Only Shadow, is based on experiences his grandfather, Robert McMillan Miller, described from his time in Dalry in 1917. Miller researched the town as it was during that period and incorporated a freak weather event remembered by his grandfather. The story appears in Scottish Horror Stories Volume One: Towns of Terror, which is out now.

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Latest Marymass Saturday success hailed

Organisers have praised the huge turnout at one of Scotland's largest community festivals following a packed Marymass Saturday in Irvine. Thousands of people descended on the North Ayrshire town for a day of events including horse racing, live jousting, the traditional Marymass parade and the crowning of this year's Marymas Queen. The day began with the judging of horses in Irvine Town Centre before the parade made its way through the town, leading to the crowning ceremony at Irvine Townhouse […]

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Killie regeneration council plans unveiled

East Ayrshire Council has unveiled plans for the future regeneration of Kilmarnock town centre, with a vision for how it could develop by 2040. The proposals aim to improve public spaces, transport links and business opportunities, while bringing vacant buildings back into use and encouraging more people to live in the town centre. Around £100 million of council investment has been allocated to Kilmarnock, alongside £20 million from the UK Government's Pride in Place programme. A six-week public consultation on […]

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Ayr’s Brown prepares for Seoul Championships

Ayr’s Kayleigh Brown is preparing to compete at the World Boccia Championships in Seoul with the Great Britain squad from August 26 to 31. Kayleigh recently reached the medal matches at a World Cup for the first time, following bronze at the Europeans, silver at an International Challenger and fourth place at the Povoa World Cup last month. S She will compete individually before joining David Smith OBE and Reshad Saraj in the BC1/2 Team event.

20/08/2026 21

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Date confirmed for mining disaster memorial

The date has been confirmed for this year’s annual memorial service marking the Knockshinnoch mining disaster in New Cumnock. Members of the public can pay their respects at the memorial site on Sunday 6 September at 1pm. The service marks 76 years since 13 men lost their lives after becoming trapped. Each year, the local community gathers to remember those who died and the 113 others who were trapped, with a service of remembrance and wreath-laying taking place at the […]

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Ayrshire businesses enjoy Food Awards success

Ayrshire businesses have enjoyed major success at the Food Awards Scotland 2026, picking up 11 prizes at the ceremony on 17 August at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central. Round Island Café Bar on the Isle of Cumbrae won Restaurant of the Year, while Viking Café Takeaway in Saltcoats was recognised for excellence. Weston Tavern & Restaurant in Kilmarnock won Gastro Pub of the Year for Outstanding Achievement, while Ayr’s Homestead Smokehouse took the winner’s prize in the Burger Bar […]

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Padel courts plan for Killie

Plans have been submitted to replace two five-a-side pitches at Soccerworld Kilmarnock with new padel courts. The proposal, submitted by Pitch N Padel Ltd, includes covering the courts with a permanent steel canopy and were initially created on July 29. Existing parking facilities, access and the hub building would remain unchanged, with no new or altered vehicle access proposed. The application can be viewed through East Ayrshire Council’s planning portal under reference 26/0381/PP.

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