Public consultation for Loch Doon area

Residents, workers and people who spend time in the Dalmellington area are being encouraged to share their views at a public consultation event at Doon Academy on Monday 19 October. The event will give local people the opportunity to discuss issues affecting the Loch Doon area directly with representatives from East Ayrshire Council, the Ayrshire Roads Alliance and Ayrshire 360. A drop-in session will run from 2pm until 5pm, with council officers available to explain the consultation and help attendees […]

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News

Ayrshire College launches hate crime awareness broadcasts

Ayrshire College has launched a series of radio broadcasts aimed at raising awareness of hate crime as part of its support for National Hate Crime Awareness Week. The programmes are being aired on Essential Radio and feature conversations between campus police liaison officer Frank Lynch and Charlotte Mitchell. The broadcasts explore what constitutes hate crime, the impact it can have on individuals and communities, and encourages listeners to challenge discriminatory behaviour to help create welcoming, inclusive environments.

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Ayrshire smokers spending estimated in millions

Smokers across Ayrshire are estimated to spend around £112.3 million a year on cigarettes, according to an analysis of official figures published on 13 October. The research by vaping retailer Ecigone estimates there are approximately 32,100 smokers across the region, with the average annual spending equivalent to £372 for every adult living in Ayrshire. That is around 20 per cent higher than the UK figure of £309 per adult. The estimated annual cigarette bill is £41.3 million in North Ayrshire, […]

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News

Scotland women in Czech triumph

Scotland’s women have booked their place in the next Women’s World Cup play-off round after beating the Czech Republic 3-2 in Paisley. Lauren Davidson, Kathleen McGovern and Christy Grimshaw got the goals, securing a 5-2 aggregate win. Next up is Sweden, with a place at next summer’s World Cup in Brazil the prize.

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News

Ayrshire charity launches free online anxiety tools

Ayrshire charity Anxiety Aid International has launched free online tools to help people understand and manage anxiety. The website offers five resources, including guided breathing, grounding exercises and activities to organise worries, without requiring an appointment or account. The site also features Ask AAI, an online assistant that directs visitors to relevant resources and support. Founder Alan Currie says the aim is to provide a welcoming first step for people seeking help.

13/10/2026 21

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Dementia project support plea by Largs group

Dementia Friendly Largs & District is asking residents to support a funding bid to bring its Virtual Dementia Experience back to the town. The project is seeking backing through North Ayrshire Council’s Community Participatory Budgets 2026 programme. The experience helps people understand the challenges faced by those living with dementia. Residents can vote online through the Community Choices website, selecting the project as one of their three choices, or collect and return a voting form at Largs Library.

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Disruptions expected from North Ayrshire roadworks

Roadworks and traffic restrictions are affecting communities across North Ayrshire between Monday 12 October and Sunday 18 October. Drivers should expect disruption in areas including Kilbirnie, Largs, West Kilbride, Irvine, Saltcoats and Kilwinning. Bridgend and Kilbirnie Cross faces overnight closures from 9pm to 6am, Craigton Road in Kilbirnie is closed daily from 8am to 5pm, as Largs' Waterside Street is affected by resurfacing work. Motorists are advised to allow extra time and follow signed diversions, with some restrictions continuing beyond […]

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GE announces £30 million project

GE Aerospace is investing £30 million in a new maintenance, repair and overhaul workshop at its existing site beside Prestwick Airport. The expansion is expected to create around 150 skilled jobs over the next five years, including construction of a new 55,000-square-foot building to improve the site’s layout, operational flow and capacity. Full operations of the project, delivered by South Ayrshire Council, are expected to begin in 2028, helping the company respond to future demand while supporting skilled employment in […]

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News

Ayrshire weekend football roundup

Kilmarnock made a losing return to Premiership action against Rangers; Dunfermline halted Ayr United's aim for back-to-back wins, as the South Challenge Cup took centre stage across the lower divisions. Neil McCann's Killie fell to a 3-1 defeat at Ibrox at the weekend as top-flight football came back from a three-week hiatus following the international break. Their last league game before the break was a 1-1 home draw with Hearts on September 19, with forward Joe Hugill getting on the […]

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