August Ayrshire derby beckons in last 16

August Ayrshire derby beckons in last 16

Kilmarnock and Ayr United will go head to head in the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup following yesterday’s draw, as both clubs ensures their progression from the group stages. The fierce rivals both topped their respective groups (G and H) and sealed their places in the knockout phase, being rewarded with their first meeting since 2022. Gary Naysmith's Ayr recorded four consecutive victories over Stranraer, Falkirk, Edinburgh City, and Alloa Athletic to see them become a seeded team […]

27/07/2026 114

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Kilwinning duo give praise after fundraiser

Mission duo Roy Blakely and Cameron Blades have thanked their community after their 25-hour running challenge raised almost £3,000. The Kilwinning pair took on the challenge from 11am on Saturday, May 30, to 12pm on Sunday, May 31, running two kilometres every hour for a total of 50 kilometres. Dozens of people joined them at different points, while many more donated to the cause. The money has helped fund two defibrillators, with one now stored in an outdoor cabinet at […]

27/07/2026 12

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North Ayrshire road upgrade begins today

The B714 between Saltcoats and Dalry is closing for up to 14 months from today (26 July) as part of a major North Ayrshire road upgrade. The £34.7 million project is designed to improve connections between Ayrshire and the Central Belt. Drivers are being asked to follow the signed diversion via the B780, which will add around 3.6 miles and approximately seven minutes to the standard journey. The first phase covers a 3.5-kilometre section between Girthill Farm and a new […]

27/07/2026 15

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Best Ayrshire summer attractions revealed

Five Ayrshire attractions have been highlighted by TripAdvisor reviews as some of the area's favourite places to visit this summer. They include Culzean Castle and Country Park, Dumfries House, Blackstone Clydesdales Experience, Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway. The attractions offer a mix of history, countryside, family activities and opportunities to explore Ayrshire's heritage.

27/07/2026 13

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Ayr business invite to support group

A business group could soon be formed to support retailers and address shared challenges in Ayr town centre. Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown is inviting retailers and business owners to express interest in joining the proposed network. The idea follows discussions with Police Scotland and Trading Standards, with businesses in Ayr town centre being encouraged to get involved and help shape how the group develops.

27/07/2026 11

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Darts star Menzies grateful for med help

Muirkirk darts star Cameron Menzies has thanked medical staff after he was taken ill during his World Matchplay second-round match against Ross Smith in Blackpool last week. The PDC said Menzies experienced high blood pressure, which caused him to feel dizzy before he fainted. After being assessed by on-site medical staff, he was able to return to his accommodation to recover. Menzies said he was grateful to the medical team, Ross Smith and everyone at the Winter Gardens for their […]

27/07/2026 5

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Yacht rescue mission at harbour

Volunteer crews from Troon RNLI launched a rescue mission after reports of a yacht stranded on rocks at Ardrossan Harbour on Wednesday, July 22. The station's D class inshore lifeboat and Shannon class all-weather lifeboat were launched after the call came in at 2.53pm. The crew confirmed the yacht was aground and safely evacuated the two people on board before bringing them to Clyde Marina, where they were handed over to the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team. The successful rescue also […]

24/07/2026 12

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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 […]

24/07/2026 13

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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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