Reaction to Forum fire events

Reaction to Forum fire events

The Ayrshire public have reacted to events of an overnight fire at Irvine's Forum Centre, which forced nearby shop and route closures. Fire crews were called in for a "large scale" emergency response and continued to control the blaze this morning in the North Ayrshire town. Businesses such as Sally Beauty and Ivybank Vets were forced to closed with the Rivergate Centre having to restrict access from the town centre entrance. People in the region showed their concerns for the […]

03/02/2026 992 2

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Retailer closure threat deals high street blow

A UK retailer has announced it has gone into administration, and could prove a blow for Ayrshire high streets. The Original Factory Shop broke the news during the week with 137 stores, including ones in the region, now being at risk of closure. January 28 saw Joint Administrators Richard Harrison and James Clark appointed to see over trade across the nation's branches. Customers are advised that orders placed before January 28 will be "delivered as usual" with the online store […]

31/01/2026 1831

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Charity cheers for duo’s fundraising climb

An Ayrshire addiction charity has praised two ladies' upcoming fundraiser to climb one of the world's highest mountains. Harbour Ayrshire are excited to back Laura McGivern and her friend Mary's journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro later this year. The charity say they are excited to support the ladies' training building up to their big day in October to raise vital funds. The duo, known as "Two girls with altitude" on social media, have been named "female warriors" in taking on […]

29/01/2026 364 1

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Charities’ joy for colour run return

Ayrshire cancer charities have shared their delight at the return of an "incredibly popular" fitness event this summer. Ayrshire Cancer Support and Ayrshire Hospice are partnering up to host the Colour Dash on Saturday June 13 at Irvine's Eglinton Park, for the first time since 2024. The joint fundraiser is said to be an "unforgettable day" by organisers who are including an event T-shirt and a fundraising page for each participants' registration. A charity spokesperson said: "Join us for fun, […]

27/01/2026 64

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Rare Burns portrait on show before birthday

A long-lost portrait of Robert Burns is on display, for the first time, in Scotland's national gallery ahead of the poet's 267th birthday. Painted by Sir Henry Raeburn, the portrait of the Ayrshire-born bard was lost for over 200 years before being discovered in March 2025. The piece, which mimics Alexander Nasmyth's famous portrait of Burns, was auctioned for £68,000 to collector William Zachs. Edinburgh-born Raeburn was commissioned to design his take on Nasmyth's painting in 1803, seven years after […]

24/01/2026 53 1

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Celebrity’s bid saves Ayr bakery

An Ayr bakery has been saved by a celebrity's donation after being scammed out of £8,000. The Rebel Bakery, located in North Harbour Industrial Estate, was given a £7,000 donation by entrepreneur Steven Bartlett after being targeted last week. Cafe owner Rachel Munro discovered that £8,000 had been taken from the business account following a phone call from someone posing as a fraud prevention team. When Munro reported the fraud to her bank, they refused to reimburse her as they […]

22/01/2026 414 5

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Businesses react to axing of cycle lanes

Ayr businesses have welcomed a last-minute turnaround on the council’s proposed town centre cycle lanes. South Ayrshire Council met today, 20 January, and confirmed plans in the Accessible Ayr project would be deferred until a later date, with the lanes no longer being included. The “ambitious" Accessible Ayr programme is in partnership with the council, Ayrshire Roads Alliance and Sustrans. Ayr MSP Siobhan Brown took to social media to share her thoughts on the reversal of the cycle lane […]

20/01/2026 50

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Memory-making build for former Largs cinema

A historic Ayrshire cinema will be reimagined in Lego, and organisers want to hear locals’ memories. Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and their Big Lego Build's project, are hosting an event, on February 9 and 10, for children and adults to rebuild Largs' Viking Cinema. The iconic venue, known for its “flamboyant” design, occupied Gogoside Road until it closed its doors for the final time, in 1973. HES are giving participants the opportunity to work alongside master Lego builder Alistair Jerks, […]

15/01/2026 36

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NHS Ayrshire and Arran in Budget boost

NHS Ayrshire and Arran is set for "record" funding after the latest Scottish Budget announcement for 2026-27. The plan published yesterday, 13 January, by the Scottish Government outlined that NHS boards in Scotland will receive £17.6 billion in funding. Ayrshire and Arran's health board is included with an £88.2 million boost to its budget, with the total reaching £1.095 billion for 2026/27. This stands at a 24% increase in a two-year period from £1.007 billion in the 2025/26 term. Kenneth […]

14/01/2026 132 2 2

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