Naysmith checks in at United

Naysmith checks in at United

New Ayr United manager Gary Naysmith says he is "really keen to get going" as he was unveiled at Somerset Park earlier this week. The former Scotland star, assisted by Brown Ferguson, arrives in Ayrshire on the back of winning promotion to the Championship with former club Stenhousemuir for the first time in their history. Naysmith believes the ambition, the people, and the infrastructure, which he argues should be looked at if "looking towards the Premiership", is why he made […]

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Councillor calls for noisy pets powers

East Ayrshire councillors could soon push for stronger powers to deal with noisy pets and persistent nuisance complaints. Labour councillor Linda Mabon will table a motion at Thursday’s East Ayrshire Council meeting calling for tougher laws around issues like continuous dog barking. The proposal argues councils don’t currently have enough powers to properly investigate or enforce complaints involving animals. If approved, East Ayrshire Council will ask the Scottish Government and COSLA to back changes giving councils clearer powers and extra […]

20/05/2026 2

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Secondary school wins Ayr Town Hall challenge

Young people from secondary schools across South Ayrshire showcased their business skills during the first-ever Provost’s Enterprise and Innovation Challenge at Ayr Town Hall. Pupils were tasked with developing innovative products or services before pitching their ideas to a judging panel. The judges included Provost Iain Campbell, Councillor William Grant, and Ayrshire Business Women president Lisa Nairn. Teams presented detailed business proposals featuring market research, financial planning and product development. Queen Margaret Academy was named overall winner of the competition, […]

20/05/2026 3

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Troon woman to celebrate 100th birthday

A Troon woman is preparing to celebrate an incredible milestone as Anna Macdonald marks her 100th birthday on May 29. Born in Glasgow in 1926, Anna moved to Troon with her family in 1964 and became a familiar and well-known figure in the local community over the decades that followed. Anna worked at Troon Telephone Exchange before moving to British Telecom’s Ayr Exchange, where she remained until retiring in 1986. During retirement, she volunteered with Oxfam, helped run keep-fit classes […]

20/05/2026 4

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Ayrshire cinemas unveil new films

Cinema-goers across Ayrshire can look forward to a busy week of new releases and special screenings at Astoria Cinema in Ayr and ODEON Kilmarnock. Both venues are showing major titles including The Devil Wears Prada 2, Mortal Kombat II and Michael, the new biopic based on the life of Michael Jackson. Astoria is focusing on a smaller rotating schedule featuring key releases and selected event screenings, including Frida Kahlo – Exhibition on Screen and family mystery film The Sheep Detectives. […]

20/05/2026 4

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Dentistry event supports Women’s Aid

Finalists in this year’s Miss Great Britain Ayrshire competition have been praised for turning a pre-final gathering into a charity fundraiser supporting women across the county. Contest director Kay Morgan said contestants were encouraged to use their platform to make a positive difference in the community as they prepare for the upcoming final. Women came together at Haus of Dentistry in Prestwick to donate essential items to Women’s Aid branches in North, East and South Ayrshire. Morgan said the pageant […]

20/05/2026 3

News

Gailes crowned Scotland’s best

The Gailes Hotel and Spa in Irvine has been crowned Scotland’s Best Spa Hotel at the 9th annual Scottish Prestige Hotel Awards in Glasgow. The award adds to a successful year for the SimpsInns group, with the venue also recognised as Boutique Spa Hotel of the Year by BABTAC and CIBTAC. The Waterside Hotel and Spa in West Kilbride and The Loans Inn in Troon also picked up highly commended awards on the night. Jack Simpson from SimpsInns praised staff […]

19/05/2026 3

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Burns brochure launched by Ayrshire councils

A new tourism campaign celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Burns has been launched across all Ayrshire councils. The 40-page brochure, titled “Ayrshire – Birthplace of Burns”, highlights more than 30 landmarks linked to Scotland’s national poet across the region. The guide features attractions in places including Alloway, Irvine and Mauchline, alongside walks, events, food experiences and accommodation connected to Burns. Councillors from all three local authorities say the campaign is designed to strengthen Ayrshire’s reputation as the world’s […]

19/05/2026 3

News

Academy tackles litter during Eco Week

Loudoun Academy pupils have been taking part in a packed programme of activities during Eco Week and Mental Health Awareness Week. The East Ayrshire school focused on the message “Small steps. Big Impact. Together”, encouraging young people to improve both the environment and their wellbeing. Activities included litter picks, mindfulness sessions, a lunchtime mental health walk and a bake sale supporting SAMH for Scotland’s mental health. Campus cop PC Rae joined council officers during patrols around the school grounds to […]

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