Sports communities receive council recognition

Sports communities receive council recognition

Sports community organisations in East Ayrshire have been given civic recognition by the council following recent "outstanding contributions and inspiring stories". Scott Montgomery from The Killie Community and Shortlees Amateurs were invited to Council HQ last week to be presented with certificates by Provost Claire Leitch. Montgomery, who was named Employee of the Year at the Scottish Charity Awards in June, was acknowledged for his work through the organisation where he sought support following a devastating family loss. Now a […]

09/08/2026 54

News

Ayr business hails six-years milestone

An Ayr family business is celebrating six years after taking what its owners describe as a "leap of faith" by opening during the pandemic. Andy and Carole-Anne Dodds launched Andrew Dodds Autocare despite the uncertainty at the time, and the business is now marking its sixth anniversary. The couple say the milestone reflects the hard work and commitment that has helped the company grow over the past six years. The anniversary marks another significant chapter for the Ayr business as […]

06/08/2026 12

News

A78 roadworks set for next week

Motorists are being advised to plan ahead as overnight resurfacing works are set to begin on the A78 south of Fairlie next week. Contractor Amey, working on behalf of Transport Scotland, will carry out the improvements from Monday, August 10 until Monday, August 17. The road will be closed in both directions each night between 8pm and 6am, with signed diversion routes in place for northbound and southbound traffic. Local access arrangements will remain in place for residents, seafront parking […]

06/08/2026 30

News

Young stars call for panto opportunity

Young performers across East Ayrshire are being encouraged to audition for this year’s Beauty and the Beastie pantomime at the Galleon Auditorium in Kilmarnock. Open auditions for the Junior Ensemble will take place at St Joseph’s Leisure Centre on Saturday, August 29. Youngsters aged between 9 and 15, covering school years P5 to S3, are invited to learn a short routine before performing in groups for the audition panel. Organisers from Imagine Theatre say no professional experience is needed, with […]

06/08/2026 27

News

Dundonald Highland Games marks another year

The Dundonald Highland Games brought together residents and visitors for a colourful celebration of Scottish tradition at the weekend. The event was officially opened by South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell on Saturday, August 1, alongside Depute Provost Mary Kilpatrick. Throughout the day, crowds enjoyed a packed programme of entertainment including a parade, pipe band performances and traditional Highland Games competitions. The annual event continues to attract people from across Ayrshire and beyond, celebrating local heritage while bringing the community together.

06/08/2026 24

News

Ayrshire pays tribute to indie icon Douglas

Music fans in Ayrshire have been paying tribute to indie rock icon John Douglas, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 62. The TrashCan Sinatras member has been described as "a dear friend and brother" by his band following his death on 3 August, with a statement confirming he was fighting "a brief illness". Guitarist and songwriter Douglas is best remembered for his influence on the group's successful hits including Obscurity Knocks and Hayfever in the early […]

06/08/2026 220

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Pass rates up for Ayrshire pupils

Thousands of senior pupils across North Ayrshire received their Scottish Qualifications Authority exam results on yesterday (August 4) with the council reporting encouraging early signs across local schools. The council says Higher and Advanced Higher pass rates have improved compared with last year, while the average number of awards achieved by pupils has also increased. Around 79 per cent of fourth-year pupils gained at least one National 5 qualification, matching last year’s figure, while almost 200 pupils achieved eight or […]

05/08/2026 19

News

T-shirt release for legend McLeod

Ayr United’s most iconic manager, Ally MacLeod, and his legendary 1969 team are being honoured with the release of a new commemorative t-shirt. The design features the famous image of MacLeod leaping from the Somerset Park dugout alongside the names of the celebrated side that defeated Rangers in one of the club’s most memorable matches. Gail Pirie, daughter of the late Ayr and Scotland manager, welcomed the tribute, saying it helps keep her father’s memory alive for both long-time supporters […]

05/08/2026 21

News

Greens MSP calls for data centre pause

Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer has urged North Ayrshire Council to join calls for a pause on new hyperscale data centre developments while national guidance is put in place. The appeal comes as proposals remain under consideration for large-scale data centres at Hunterston and Irvine. Mr Greer says councils are currently being asked to make planning decisions without clear guidance from the Scottish Government and has warned the projects could have significant impacts on energy demand, local communities and the […]

05/08/2026 13