Hunterston data centre plans prompt protests

Hunterston data centre plans prompt protests

Protesters have made their feelings clear towards plans for an Artificial Intelligence data centre in North Ayrshire, on the site of one of Scotland's oldest castles. The proposals for the "hyperscale" multiple buildings complex by Eneus Energy, spanning approximately 88 hectares, at Hunterston Castle Estate have sparked strong local and worldwide objections . Features such as two substations, drainage systems, and access roads have been included in the development near the existing power station and 900-year-old castle on the coastal […]

29/07/2026 53

News

Miss Great Britain in charity partnership

Miss Great Britain Ayrshire has announced its first-ever legacy charity partnership, working with Colette, director of Professional Beauty Systems. The partnership will see surplus beauty products donated to North, South and East Ayrshire Women’s Aid. The first delivery of Jerome Russel products has already been made. The donations are intended to support women and children experiencing domestic abuse, with the beauty items designed to bring comfort, dignity, confidence and a sense of support during difficult circumstances.

29/07/2026 11

News

Car fires prompt police investigation

Police are investigating after three cars were deliberately set on fire in Skelmorlie on Saturday night. Emergency services were called at around 11.05pm on July 25 after reports that three cars were alight. The fires were extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, with one appliance responding. One person required medical assistance from ambulance crews, and anyone who knows who was responsible should contact 101, quoting incident number 3764 of July 25.

29/07/2026 25

News

Muirkirk Gala makes return next month

Muirkirk Gala Day will return next month , with a family afternoon planned for Saturday, August 8. The event will run from 12pm to 4pm at Kames Motorsport Complex and will feature a wide range of entertainment and activities for all ages. Highlights include the Gala Court, dog show, silly science sessions, inflatables, tombola and live music.

29/07/2026 8

News

Boxer Cullen left gutted at Commonwealth exit

Kilbirnie boxer Aaron Cullen’s Commonwealth Games journey has come to an end after he was defeated in his men’s 55-kilogram round-of-32 bout on Friday, July 24. The 19-year-old Irvine Elite boxer lost 5-0 on points to India’s Jadumani Singh Mangengbam. Cullen said he was disappointed that his four years of preparation had ended so quickly and felt he had done enough to potentially take the second and third rounds. Despite the result, he has vowed to remain positive and support […]

28/07/2026 13

News

Stagecoach offer travel services for Games

Stagecoach is offering express bus services from Ayr and Kilmarnock to Glasgow during the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The X77 service runs from Ayr, while the X76 operates from Kilmarnock, with both routes arriving at Buchanan Bus Station, close to connections for the Games venues. Stagecoach is promoting the services as a convenient alternative to driving, while a West Scotland Connect DayRider ticket costs £16.80 for unlimited travel during the day. Passengers under 22 or over 60 can travel free with […]

28/07/2026 11

News

Providence proposal for Ayr community

Ayr is seeking a twinning partnership with Providence in Rhode Island, following friendships formed during Scotland’s FIFA World Cup journey. A group of community, business and civic leaders from Ayr are supporting the proposal, which aims to create long-term links between the two communities. Plans could include tourism, educational exchanges, business collaboration and sporting links, alongside a proposed Providence–Ayr Friendship Week. The steering committee will also explore the possibility of a future seasonal direct air connection between Prestwick Airport and […]

28/07/2026 28

News

Spanish galleon set for Ayr visit

A historic replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon is set to sail into Ayr this summer. The Galeón Andalucía will welcome visitors from Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 23, with the ship open from 10am to 8pm each day. The exhibition, brought to Ayr by the Nao Victoria Foundation, will give visitors the chance to explore maritime heritage aboard the spectacular vessel. The visit is supported by South Ayrshire Council and Associated British Ports’ Port of Ayr.

28/07/2026 21

News

Children’s charity hails 30 years

Honeypot Children’s Charity has celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special garden party at Dalleagles House near New Cumnock. Friends, supporters and members of the local community gathered for lunch, bubbly and birthday cake while meeting the Honeypot Dalleagles team. The charity launched in 1996 to give young carers the chance to escape the pressures of everyday life. Dalleagles House opened in 2023, and hundreds of children have since visited for fun activities, days out and trips across the area.

28/07/2026 12