South Ayrshire Council wins national community award

South Ayrshire Council wins national community award

South Ayrshire Council has received national recognition after winning a prestigious award for its work to improve town centres and support people facing employment issues. The council's Environmental Town Centre Programme was named Best Community and Neighbourhood Initiative at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Service Awards 2026. The programme, delivered by the council's Thriving Communities team in partnership with Waste Management, aims to create cleaner and more welcoming environments across the region. Participants work alongside the council's Waste […]

30/10/2026 7

News

Popular Arran Hotel closes for refurb

A popular hotel on the Isle of Arran has closed its doors for a major refurbishment after being taken over by Ayrshire hospitality group Buzzworks. The Douglas, which has welcomed visitors for more than 170 years, is expected to remain closed until spring 2027. Buzzworks purchased the property in July and has announced that a seven-figure sum will be invested in its redevelopment. Plans include a welcoming pub and restaurant at the heart of the hotel, alongside newly designed bedrooms. […]

30/10/2026 5

News

A78 at Skelmorlie partial reopening after storm

Part of the storm-damaged A78 Shore Road has reopened under controlled conditions for residents, carers and emergency vehicles. The southbound carriageway between Skelmorlie and Largs is now accessible to people living within the affected section, following damage to the road and sea wall during Storm Boelo. A temporary speed restriction is in place, and the lane cannot be used by heavy goods vehicles or larger vehicles. Other traffic must continue to follow the signed diversion, which takes drivers via Port […]

30/10/2026 7

News

Ardrossan Harbour development update

Work has started at Ardrossan Harbour to help bring the facility up to the standard required to operate a full ferry service. The progress was discussed at a meeting of the Ardrossan Harbour Task Force on Wednesday 28 October co-chaired by Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary Stephen Flynn. The task force met following the harbour’s acquisition by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited earlier this year. Members discussed the redevelopment plans, progress on essential improvements and feedback from a public engagement event held […]

30/10/2026 8

News

Flood damaged Geraldo’s unlikely to reopen before 2027

A Largs business has warned it is unlikely to reopen before 2027 after suffering thousands of pounds worth of damage during Storm Boelo. Geraldo’s, on Main Street, remains closed until further notice following heavy rain and strong winds over the weekend. Owner Toni Dawson described the premises as an absolute mess and said thousands of pounds worth of stock had already been discarded. The flooding was the worst experienced during their time at the business, with the premises having been […]

30/10/2026 8

News

Storm Boelo effects felt across Ayrshire

Storm Boelo swept across Ayrshire over the past week, bringing high winds and heavy rainfall that proved to be destructive for towns, businesses and homes in the region. The worst of the adverse weather, which began with an amber warning on Saturday 24 October, hit coastal areas such as Prestwick, Saltcoats and Largs, with footage showing the devastating impact of the wild conditions. Largs and Saltcoats in particular drew wider media attention with the "significant" impact of high tides and […]

29/10/2026 38

News

Ayr bandstand refurb plans continue

Work is continuing on the transformation of the Place de Saint-Germain-en-Laye bandstand on Ayr’s esplanade. The refurbishment, proposed to South Ayrshire Council through Ayr firm Denham Youd, is designed to improve the structure and its surroundings, making the space more accessible for public events. The plans include a new steel canopy, reinstated wing walls and an extended stage. Sheltered seating will be created along the wing walls, while stepped seating in the perimeter wall will provide additional space for audiences […]

28/10/2026 10

News

Ayr man charged after Troon sword incident

An Ayr man has been charged in connection with an alleged sword incident in Troon. Aaron Hill, 27, of Lochside Road in Ayr, is accused of assaulting another man and brandishing a sword at an address in Bentinck Drive. The charge alleges that the incident took place on 18 July 2024, when Hill repeatedly attempted to strike the other man with the weapon and pursued him. The case was scheduled for a first-diet court hearing at Ayr Sheriff Court earlier […]

28/10/2026 30

News

Ayr Philharmonic raise the spirits with Sister Act

Ayr Philharmonic Opera Society has received praise for its production of Sister Act, staged at Ayr’s Gaiety Theatre. The musical attracted large audiences to the Carrick Street venue, with the cast delivering a lively performance featuring gospel music, colourful costumes and well-known musical numbers. The production was praised for its energetic routines, main cast and ensemble performances, colourful costumes and the music, which helped lift spirits during a difficult weekend of weather across the region. The story follows Deloris Van […]

28/10/2026 10