Ayrshire College wins gold and silver at TUCO

Ayrshire College has gained national recognition after students achieved top results at a major UK hospitality competition. Declan Sloan won gold in the Mixology category, while Ffion Chambers secured silver at the TUCO Competitions 2026, held at the University of Warwick. The competition challenged entrants to create signature drinks and demonstrate classic cocktail-making skills in front of expert judges. College leaders praised both students for their professionalism and creativity, highlighting the high standard of training delivered at Ayrshire College.

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Ayrshire island stars in award-winning director’s work

An Ayrshire island has been included by an award-winning director for their latest production, believed to be something "we do not often see in Scottish cinema". Little "Wee" Cumbrae in North Ayrshire was opted for by Scottish / Italian writer and director Alessio Avezzano for his folk horror comedy short film "Straw". The island, in the shadow of Great Cumbrae off the coastline, was selected for its landscape which lends itself to "the unsettling atmosphere" that the film aims to […]

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Dobbies Ayr hosts Little Seedlings workshop May 3

Families in Ayr are being invited to take part in a free educational workshop focused on the natural world. Dobbies Garden Centre will host its Little Seedlings event at its Ayr store on Sunday, May 3. The session will explore the “Power of Plants”, introducing children to species such as Venus flytraps, ivy, chamomile and aloe vera. The workshop includes hands-on activities, with each child given a lavender plant to take home, encouraging learning and engagement with gardening and nature.

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Golf-X Ayr celebrates first birthday on Arthur Street

Ayr entertainment venue Golf-X has marked its first year in business with a celebratory event. Located on Arthur Street, the venue opened in April last year following a six-figure investment. Owned by Scott Hannah and Cristiano Simeone, Golf-X features Trackman golf simulators, digital darts oches, a bar and restaurant space, and an outdoor beer garden. The team hosted a birthday celebration on Saturday, April 11, featuring live entertainment including music and a magician to mark the milestone.

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Kilmarnock Amateur Swimming Club teen wins national medals

A Kilmarnock teenager has made a major impact on the national swimming stage, bringing success back to his local club. Thirteen-year-old Joshua McCluskey claimed three bronze medals at the Scottish National Age Grade Championships in Aberdeen. Representing Kilmarnock Amateur Swimming Club, Joshua medalled in the 200m freestyle, 200m individual medley and 100m butterfly. It marks the club’s first national medals since 2014, with several other swimmers including Andrew McLaughlin, Emily Craig, Poppy Biggar and Rowan Milligan also competing at the […]

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Ayrshire College students transform Park School Kilmarnock grounds

Students from Ayrshire College have completed a meaningful project to enhance outdoor spaces at Park School in Kilmarnock. The work was carried out by Level 5 Pre-Apprenticeship Joinery students as part of a five-week course. The team designed and built a new outdoor classroom, along with benches, planters and seating areas. The project also included a Friendship Bench to support pupil wellbeing and a memorial bench dedicated to a much-loved former pupil, creating a lasting and reflective space within the […]

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The Gailes Hotel welcomes Catrine golfer Liam Kirkham

A young Ayrshire golfer has returned to where it all began after securing a role at one of the region’s top venues. Liam Kirkham, 24, from Catrine, has joined the PGA coaching team at The Gailes Hotel & Spa in Irvine. Liam first picked up a golf club at The Gailes driving range when he was just three years old and later took part in the venue’s Juniors Do Golf programme. After more than 20 years in the sport, including […]

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Ayrshire hotels shortlisted for national awards

Ayrshire’s hotel scene is celebrating after major recognition at a national level. The Riverside Lodge Hotel in Irvine is among those shortlisted at the Prestige Hotel Awards Scotland. Winners will be revealed at a gala event in Glasgow on May 14.

15/04/2026 29

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Ayr musician set for Channel 4 debut

A talented young musician from Ayr is heading to national TV this weekend. Findlay Williamson will appear on Channel 4’s Your Song this Sunday, April 19. The show, filmed at Hackney Empire, could be a big breakthrough moment for the 23-year-old.

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