Council backs Scotland Loves Local Week

Communities across East Ayrshire are being encouraged to back Scotland Loves Local Week, which runs until Saturday June 20, as part of a drive to support town centres and independent businesses. Kilmarnock Town Centre Ambassadors, the Kilmarnock Business Association and the Kilmarnock Neighbourhood Board are among those supporting the campaign, alongside political figures in the local authority. The message highlights the importance of choosing local shops and services to help protect jobs and strengthen the regional economy. Supporters say even […]

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News

Irvine Post Office reopens

Irvine Post Office has officially reopened on the town’s High Street after being closed for several weeks. The branch, which operates inside The Hardware Store, reopened to customers on Tuesday, June 16, following a period of closure linked to health issues. Concerns were raised about whether the service would return, but it is now back to normal operation. A Post Office spokesperson previously confirmed plans for reopening, apologising for any inconvenience caused during the temporary closure.

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Counterfeit toy crackdown in North Ayrshire

North Ayrshire Council’s Trading Standards team has removed around £3,500 worth of potentially unsafe toys from sale after safety risks to children. The items were taken from several shops across the region and including Sonny Angel dolls, Squishy Fidget Foams, Squishy Buns, and KPop Demon Hunters figures. Officials say the goods may be toxic and have not been properly tested against UK safety standards. Councillor Alan Hill praised staff for helping protect children and their families in the local authority.

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North Ayrshire Council seizes £3,500 toxic toys

North Ayrshire Council’s Trading Standards team has seized around £3,500 worth of potentially dangerous toys from several stores across North Ayrshire. The items removed from sale include Squishy Fidget Foams, Squishy Buns, Sonny Angel dolls, and KPop Demon Hunters figures. The council says the illicit and counterfeit toys may pose a risk to children, with concerns including potential toxicity, strong solvent smells, and a lack of testing against UK safety standards. Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and […]

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Busy week of Ayrshire events

Ayrshire residents have a busy week of events to enjoy, with exhibitions, family activities and live entertainment taking place from June 15 to June 21. Highlights include The Big Picture exhibition at C.O.A.S.T Gallery in Troon alongside the Scottish Maritime Museum Impressions and The Beach Today – A Year of Sea, Sky and Stone. A major attraction takes place on Saturday, June 20, when Ayr’s Low Green hosts the Summer Fayre with Armed Forces & Pipes in the Park from 11.45am […]

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Irvine runner completes hundred-mile challenge

An Irvine runner has completed another major endurance challenge as part of his fundraising efforts for a regional charity. Levi Charlton, 53, successfully finished the 104-mile Ultra Scotland race in less than 31 hours in aid of Whiteleys Retreat near Ayr. The British Gas worker has already completed a number of demanding events, including the Yorkshire 3 Peaks and the 50-mile Pennine Way Ultra. Charlton is raising money for Whiteleys after visiting the charity’s respite centre in Alloway. The organisation […]

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Waverley marks 79 year milestone

The historic paddle steamer Waverley is celebrating 79 years since its maiden voyage. Known as the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, the vessel was built to replace the original Waverley, which was lost during the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. Construction began in the aftermath of the Second World War before the ship entered service on Scotland's west coast on June 16, 1947. The vessel remains a popular attraction, operating cruises around the UK, including on the Clyde. Since being preserved […]

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Fire crews tackle Drongan blaze

Firefighters were called to an overnight blaze at a derelict building near Carston Farm in Drongan on Monday, June 15. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service received reports of the fire at 9.42pm and mobilised three fire appliances along with a high reach vehicle to the scene. Crews worked to extinguish the fire affecting the disused building. No casualties were reported as crews remained on-location until the area had been made safe.

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Girvan man strengthens Ayrshire and Canada link

A Girvan man has helped strengthen links between Ayrshire and Canada after making a 3,500-mile journey to a village in Ontario during the World Cup in North America. Stuart Campbell visited the Canadian community of Ailsa Craig that shares its name with the Ayrshire landmark. During the trip, he presented residents with Girvan’s new municipal flag, which features the island as part of its design. The gesture was warmly received and shared by Ye Olde Towne Hall in Ailsa Craig […]

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