Young Robertson quits North Ayrshire role

North Ayrshire councillor Chloe Robertson has stepped down from her position as cabinet member for the Health and Social Care Partnership, citing growing pressures on the sector. Her resignation came into effect on June 15 and follows ongoing concerns around the financial challenges facing health and social care services. Earlier this year, the partnership moved into a critical-care-only model after facing a £9.1 million deficit. Councillor Robertson said she remains committed to improving outcomes for local communities and intends to […]

22/06/2026 23

News

Station upgrade brings rail disruption

Train passengers across Ayrshire are being warned of significant disruption later this summer as Network Rail carries out a major £13.5 million upgrade at Kilmarnock Station. The project, scheduled for August and September, is designed to improve journey times and reliability on the rail route linking Glasgow, Ayrshire, and Dumfries and Galloway. Engineers will modernise the track layout through the station, addressing infrastructure constraints that currently slow trains down. No trains will run between Barrhead and Dumfries or Kilmarnock and […]

22/06/2026 32

News

Ayr United defib thief charged

A 45-year-old man has been charged in connection with the theft of a defibrillator and first aid kit from Ayr United’s academy. The theft prompted concern due to the importance of the life-saving equipment, which is designed to be available during emergencies. Police launched inquiries after the items were reported missing from the club’s facilities and have now confirmed a man has been charged in connection with the incident. The case will be reported to the relevant authorities as investigations […]

19/06/2026 22

News

Pubs warned over World Cup licensing

Pubs and bars across South Ayrshire have been warned they must have the correct licensing extensions if they plan to show Scotland’s late-night World Cup matches. South Ayrshire Licensing Board heard that Scotland’s opening tournament fixture passed without any reported licensing issues after a number of premises were granted extended opening hours. Upcoming matches kicking off at 11pm UK time could create challenges for venues without additional permissions. Licensing Standards Officer Catrina Andrew reminded operators that customers must leave at […]

19/06/2026 20

News

Dundonald Castle to close for improvements

Dundonald Castle is set for temporary closure later this month while improvement works are carried out. The closure of the popular attraction in South Ayrshire will allow the installation of new energy-efficient windows as part of ongoing efforts to improve the historic site and visitor facilities. The work is expected to take place over a short period before the attraction reopens. Castle operators say the period is necessary to complete the upgrades safely and efficiently, with visitors being encouraged to […]

19/06/2026 27

News

Hogg slams Carrick Hills fly-tipping

An Ayr councillor has criticised what he described as “disgraceful” fly-tipping in the Carrick Hills after rubbish was dumped in the middle of a road. Willie Hogg, councillor for Ayr North, shared concerns after debris including decking and garden waste was discovered blocking part of the route. He warned that emergency vehicles could struggle to gain access if called to the area. Hogg is urging anyone who recognises the materials or has information about those responsible to come forward.

19/06/2026 18

News

Ayr Racecourse stand safety assured

Structural concerns have been identified within the Eglinton Stand at Ayr Racecourse, although South Ayrshire Council has stressed there is no immediate risk to public safety. A report due before the council’s Regulatory Panel confirms engineers have found deterioration in sections of the reinforced concrete frame. While inspections, surveys and certification requirements have all been completed, further work will be needed to help preserve the structure. The upper tier remains closed to spectators and is not included in the venue’s […]

19/06/2026 22

News

Ayrshire sides learn opening league fixtures

Kilmarnock and Ayr United have discovered their schedules ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 season following the SPFL's fixture release yesterday afternoon. Both sides have now returned for pre-season training before competitive action begins in the Premier Sports Cup. Neil McCann's Kilmarnock will hope to improve on last season's 10th place finish in the top flight with an opening day tie away to newly promoted St Johnstone on Sunday 2 August before hosting Celtic the following week (9 August). The opening […]

18/06/2026 118

News

Free NHS Webinars Launched to Support Wellbeing of Ayrshire’s Small Business Workforce

Employees across Ayrshire’s small business workforce are being offered free NHS wellbeing webinars this July, aimed at helping staff manage stress, pain, and workplace challenges. Delivered by NHS SALUS through the Working for a Healthy Economy Programme, the online “Lunch & Learn” sessions are fully funded by the Ayrshire Growth Deal. Each webinar runs from 1:00pm to 1:30pm, with sessions on practical stress management on Tuesday 7 July 2026, managing pain and MSK issues at work on Wednesday 8 July, […]

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