Hands Free music festival bound for Saltcoats

A new music festival is set to launch in Saltcoats next summer, with the first-ever Hands Free festival scheduled to take place on Saturday 3 July and Sunday 4 July. Organised by local councillor Jim Montgomerie, the two-day event will be held outdoors at the Victoria Bar on Raise Street and will offer a different musical experience each day. Saturday will focus on DJs and dance music, with Jon Mancini and Michael Kilkie among the headline acts with Sunday featuring […]

19/10/2026 30

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Ayr Astoria pride at best UK cinema vote

Astoria Cinema in Ayr says it is "incredibly proud" of being voted one of the UK's best cinemas, making the cut for a prestigious national award. The Merlin Cinemas-owned venue has been shortlisted for the 2026 British Independent Film Awards' Cinema of the Year, announced on 13 October, from what was originally a list of 50,000 entries. Bo'ness' Hippodrome, Lonsdale in Annan, and Edinburgh's Filmhouse are the three other Scottish cinemas to make the list alongside the Astoria. A spokesperson […]

16/10/2026 48

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Ayrshire pupils perform with pro opera musicians

Thirty-four pupils from six South Ayrshire schools have performed alongside professional musicians from Scottish Opera at Ayr Town Hall. The young musicians, from the likes of Belmont Academy, Prestwick Academy, and Wellington School, performed Fiddler’s Hill, written by Jeff Moore to bring young and professional musicians together. Ayr Arts Guild organised the concert as part of the 38th Ayr Concert Series, with American conductor Molly Turner making her Scottish Opera debut. The series continues at Ayr Town Hall with the […]

16/10/2026 14

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Ayrshire beauty queens aim for Miss GB glory

Three women from Ayrshire are representing the region at the Miss Great Britain grand final in Leicester tonight. Robyn Archibald, 23, from Ayr, Michelle Howie, 40, from Kilwinning, and Anne-Marie Harper, 71, from Prestwick, are hoping to secure national titles in their respective categories. Anne-Marie is set to become the oldest-ever finalist in the competition’s 81-year history and could become the oldest Scottish winner of the Classic title. Archibald is aiming to become only the second Miss Great Britain winner […]

16/10/2026 21

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Police hopes of tackling e-scooter problems

Police are stepping up efforts to tackle problems involving e-bikes and e-scooters in Irvine, with concerns including anti-social behaviour and vehicles being used in connection with criminal offences. Sergeant Will Thomson outlined the ongoing campaign at a meeting of Irvine Community Council, saying officers are gathering information and have already seized a number of vehicles. He encouraged members of the public to share information, including anonymously, to help police take further action. Between 7 September and 7 October, 942 incidents […]

16/10/2026 21

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Seamill festive meal for older residents

Older residents in West Kilbride are being invited to the annual Age Well Christmas Meal at the Seamill Hydro Hotel on Thursday 3 December. Guests will gather from midday ahead of a 1 pm lunch, with the afternoon expected to finish around 3 pm. Organised by Age Well West Kilbride, the event will include a two-course Christmas meal, tea and coffee, and a raffle, aiming to bring older residents together for a festive afternoon with friends and neighbours. Tickets cost […]

16/10/2026 20

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Kandy Bar bakery to change hands

A North Ayrshire-based bakery is set to change ownership for the first time in more than 60 years, ending a family’s long association with the business. The Kandy Bar bakery, run by Stephen and Rona McAllister, selected Craig McPhee to take the business forward, with the handover taking place Thursday 22 October. The bakery has 90 employees and operates two shops in Saltcoats, as well as outlets in West Kilbride and Kilwinning.

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Stephenson All Shook Up for charity challenge

An Ayrshire fundraiser is taking on an "incredible" musical challenge in a bid to raise money for four charities that provide vital support across the community. Jamie Stephenson is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for singing Elvis Presley songs continuously, with the current record standing at an incredible 43 hours, 11 minutes and 11 seconds. The challenge will test Stephenson's determination, stamina and love of the King of Rock and Roll, all in support of Centrestage Communities, Ayrshire […]

15/10/2026 63 3

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Health board cancer treatment performance above Scottish average

NHS Ayrshire and Arran is performing above the Scottish average on two key cancer treatment waiting-time measures, according to figures for July 2026. The latest report shows that 77.3 per cent of patients urgently referred with suspected cancer began treatment within 62 days. This compares with a Scottish average of 74.4 per cent, although it remains below the national standard of 95 per cent. The health board also reported that 99.3 per cent of patients began treatment within 31 days […]

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