UWS plays part for Commonwealth Games

The University of the West of Scotland's Ayr campus has played a key role in preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games by hosting a training camp for para-athletes and coaches from across the Commonwealth. The GAPS (Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain) programme welcomed 54 athletes and coaches representing 15 Commonwealth nations. The camp was delivered in partnership with Commonwealth Sport, South Ayrshire Council and other organisations supporting athlete and coach development. The King's Baton Relay also visited the Ayr campus on […]

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Largs diver incident prompts rescue

Emergency services responded after a diver got into difficulty in Largs Bay on Wednesday, July 22, prompting a major rescue operation. The Scottish Ambulance Service was called to Largs Pier at 7.55pm, sending two ambulances and an air ambulance carrying a critical care team. Police Scotland also attended after being contacted shortly afterwards with officers remaining at the scene while emergency crews dealt with the incident. One patient was taken to University Hospital Crosshouse for further treatment.

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Pro wrestling to make Ayr return

Blockbuster Pro Wrestling will return to Ayr Town Hall on Friday, August 14, bringing another evening of family-friendly entertainment to the town. The event will feature Ayrshire wrestlers Dylan Thorn, Brody Turnbull, Jake Lawless and Hera, alongside former WWE NXT UK star Kenny Williams. Fans will also see actor and wrestler Richard Summers-Calvert, better known in the ring as Charles Crowley. Organisers say the show will combine local talent with well-known names from professional wrestling.

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100th birthday marked with western twist

Mary Paton has celebrated her 100th birthday with two special events in Auchinleck, surrounded by family, friends and the local community. The Glennie House resident enjoyed a western-themed party at the care home, followed by a family celebration at the Dumfries Arms. Local support helped make the day extra memorable, with Blackstone Clydesdales, Fossilfield Training Centre, LC Balloons and local farmers all contributing to the celebrations. Born in July 1926, Paton grew up in Hurlford before spending 69 years in […]

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Ayrshire builds up to Commonwealth Games

Ayrshire has been looking ahead to the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow which begins tonight, and local athletes have also been building the excitement. What has been labelled the "slimmed down" games, that were originally to be staged in Victoria, Australia, the events will see local talent on show across a variety of sports ranging from boxing, to bowls, to weightlifting, and swimming. Sports and local organisations across the region have played their part in the build-up, including UWS […]

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Site managers recognised for awards

Two site managers working at the Lairds Gait developments in Kilmarnock have been recognised at the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards, widely regarded as the housebuilding industry's "Oscars". David Cooper of Barratt Homes and Mark Harris of David Wilson Homes were honoured for excellence in site management, leadership and build quality. Their success also contributed to another strong year for parent company Barratt Redrow, whose site managers collected 122 Pride in the Job Awards across the UK, more than […]

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Troon boats in drifting object call

Troon RNLI launched both its all-weather and inshore lifeboats after reports of a drifting object near Stevenston on Tuesday, July 21, following a call from Belfast Coastguard at 10.24am. The crews located a small boat drifting unattended towards Irvine. Following a search and finding no sign of anyone in difficulty, the boat was recovered aboard the all-weather lifeboat and taken back to Troon Harbour, where it was secured to prevent further emergency call-outs.

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Plans submitted for new Prestwick facility

Plans have been submitted for a 68,000-square-foot aerospace overhaul, maintenance and repair facility beside Prestwick Airport. The proposal from South Ayrshire Council includes a high-specification industrial and manufacturing building, along with new access roads, parking for 122 vehicles, landscaping and a secure entrance. The development is intended to support the region's growing aerospace sector as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal, with funding from the UK and Scottish Government and South Ayrshire Council. The council says the project aims to […]

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Keegan remembered in Clyde Coast town

A Clyde Coast town is remembering former England Captain and Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan who died this week aged 75 following a battle with cancer. People in Inverkip shared their memories of Yorkshire-born Keegan, who owned an apartment at the town's marina during the mid-2000s where he spent time with his wife and spoke warmly about the "magic" scenery of the location. Local businessman Richard Craigmile also recalled Keegan as a regular customer at his Largs café, remembering him as […]

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