Ayrshire council tax rises to protect services

Ayrshire council tax rises to protect services

Ayrshire local authorities have approved council tax rises for 2026/27, with one believing "reflects the determination to minimise any rises while protecting services". North and East Ayrshire agreed to the move during the week, with the former increasing its taxes by 8.5 per cent and the latter by 6.9 per cent. For East Ayrshire, it remains the "lowest increase across Ayrshire" with the other authority believing the move comes from a "challenging" budget being set. One area of focus pointed […]

28/02/2026 87

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Ayrshire MSP calls for rail line investment

An Ayrshire MSP is calling for UK government investment to improve one of the region's rail lines, where disruptions and faults are "common". Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, has shared his concerns with others in the council area for the Glasgow to Largs line. North Ayrshire-based Gibson believes that issues linking the coastal town and city has often left "passengers stranded without clear information". A Facebook post by Mr Gibson said: "I have again been contacted by several constituents […]

26/02/2026 129

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Ayrshire lights up to raise awareness

Ayrshire joined together at the weekend to raise awareness of a neurological condition, that 77 per cent of people have never heard of. World Encephalitis Day was observed on February 22, with East Ayrshire Council supporting #Red4WED to notify the region of the "serious" and "life-changing" condition. Kilmarnock's viaduct was lit up in red as part of the local authority's support for those affected by the condition, which results in brain inflammation. A spokesperson from Encephalitis International believes 2026 is […]

24/02/2026 208

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Drug consumption unit plea by West MSP

A West Scotland MSP believes that drug use in North Ayrshire is a "serious problem", and that a safe drug consumption unit should be introduced. Liberal Democrat Jamie Greene sees the crisis to be "far worse" than other council areas in the west and hopes the region can follow Glasgow's successful trial from last year. Events such as the UK's first nitazine lab being discovered and rising numbers of overdoses and deaths have put the region under the spotlight for […]

21/02/2026 58

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Ayrshire links help global tartan design winner

Cultural and historical links from North Ayrshire have helped a school pupil's design success story, and it may appear at the World Cup. Six-year-old Indie Menzies came up with the "Spirit of Brazil" tartan selected by a nationwide competition launched by the Brazilian Consulate of Edinburgh. It is believed that the region's strong connections to the South American nation played a big part in the winning design from the Largs Primary School pupil. The likes of Kelburn Castle, whose striking […]

19/02/2026 56

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Ayrshire pays tribute to legend Duvall

Ayrshire has been paying tribute to Hollywood legend Robert Duvall who passed away at the age of 95. The death of the Godfather star was confirmed by wife Luciana on Facebook on 16 February, believing he was a "beloved husband and cherished friend". The post by Mrs Duvall added: "Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort. To the world, he was an Academy award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything." People […]

16/02/2026 63

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Ayrshire health board in financial government move

NHS Ayrshire and Arran have welcomed additional support by the Scottish Government in a time of "serious financial challenges". The move sees £1.1 billion being injected into the regional health board, but have now been moved to stage four of the NHS Scotland Support and Intervention Framework. Health Secretary Neil Gray says the move comes with "enhanced scrutiny and dedicated support" as the they aim to get finances, labelled as "unprecedented" by Audit Scotland in November, back on track. Mr […]

13/02/2026 101

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Ayrshire snow and ice warning advice

The Met Office has issued advice for the people of Scotland for staying safe during a yellow snow and ice warning today, with Ayrshire being affected. It has been alerted that road and railway disruptions are "likely" and people are being asked to prepare for the wintery conditions. Inland areas such as the Doon Valley and Garnock Valley could see snow, along with rain, with the warning in place later this afternoon. On their website, the Met Office said: "In […]

12/02/2026 62

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Businesses response to fake notes warning

Ayrshire businesses have responded to reports of counterfeit bank notes going around, and there is advice on how to identify them. Outlets, such as Kilmarnock's Bungalow and TG House of Blondes, have taken on the message from Kilwinning Banking Hub about the fake money and are asking others to keep an eye out. On their social media, TG House of Blonde's announced this week that bank transfers will be accepted for the time being as the notes are "doing their […]

10/02/2026 62