Youth unemployment concerns raised

A major UK review into youth unemployment is raising concern about what it could mean for young people here in Ayrshire. Former Labour health secretary Alan Milburn warns the number of 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training could rise sharply unless urgent action is taken, with entry-level jobs and apprenticeships becoming harder to access. While the report looks at national trends, it highlights challenges that are also felt locally across Ayrshire, where schools, colleges and employers are […]

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News

Fire service issues wildfire warning

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a wildfire warning covering south west Scotland as warm and dry weather conditions continue. The alert comes into force from today, May 28, with firefighters warning that one spark could quickly spread and lead to serious damage affecting homes, countryside areas and wildlife habitats across the region. SFRS is urging the public to avoid lighting outdoor fires during the warning period and to stay alert while visiting parks, beaches and rural areas. […]

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News

Robbie Dickie Fund relaunched in Irvine

A grant scheme supporting young people living with multiple sclerosis is being relaunched in memory of Ayr teenager Robbie Dickie. The Robbie Dickie Fund supports people under the age of 30 across Ayrshire and Arran with opportunities linked to learning, wellbeing and personal development. More than £30,000 has already been raised through community fundraising efforts connected to the project. A special MS Society Scotland event will take place in Irvine on Monday, June 1, bringing together individuals recently diagnosed with […]

28/05/2026 22

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New Ayr exhibition set to open

A new contemporary art exhibition is set to open in Ayr this weekend, showcasing work from some of the region’s leading artists. West Coast Canvas will launch at the Cutty Sark Centre on Ayr High Street with a special preview evening taking place on Friday, May 29 at 6pm. The exhibition then opens to the public from Saturday and will continue through until June 29. Alongside the artwork on display, visitors will also be able to take part in a […]

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News

College screening sparks mental health discussions

Ayrshire College hosted a special screening of a Scottish film in taking "meaningful action" to spread the word about student wellbeing and suicide prevention. More than 60 partners from education, health and community sectors attended the event at the College’s Kilmarnock Campus on Thursday, May 14 which showed the film The Low Road. The screening was designed to spark discussion around trauma, grief, recovery and the importance of creating supportive environments for young people across Ayrshire. Attendees took part in […]

27/05/2026 31

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Prestwick’s Gibson eyes 2026 Olympics

Prestwick skating star Lewis Gibson continues to build on a landmark few years in British sport alongside dance partner Lilah Fear. The pair made history at last year’s World Championships in Boston after winning bronze in the ice dance competition. It marked the first time since 1984 that British skaters had reached a world championship podium in any discipline. Since 2016, Gibson and Fear have become seven-time British national champions as well as multiple Grand Prix and Challenger Series medallists. […]

27/05/2026 19

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Expeditions ships spotted at Troon

Two modern expedition cruise ships have been attracting attention in Troon after arriving on the Ayrshire coast this week. The vessels, operated by Aurora Expeditions, are designed for voyages to remote parts of the world including Antarctica and the Arctic. The Douglas Mawson, built in 2025, features a specialist X-bow design intended to handle heavy swells during polar expeditions. The ship can carry just over 150 passengers, while sister vessel Sylvia Earle, launched in 2022, has capacity for around 130 […]

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Ayr author releases anxiety trilogy

An Ayr mental health specialist has published a trilogy of books aimed at helping people better understand anxiety, emotional overwhelm and overthinking. Alan Currie, who has worked with people across South Ayrshire for many years, released the first book in the series, The Rucksack You Carry, in April. The project draws on his experiences supporting people dealing with anxiety and emotional pressure, while presenting the subject in a more relatable and accessible way. The second book, Why Anxiety Repeats, explores […]

27/05/2026 18

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Ayrshire golf courses rank globally

Five Ayrshire golf courses have been recognised among the world’s best in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses for 2026–2027. Trump Turnberry’s famous Ailsa course retained its position as the eighth best course in the world, while Royal Troon Golf Club climbed one place to 27th. Prestwick Golf Club was also included in the rankings at 62nd, while Western Gailes Golf Club in Irvine held steady at 78th place. Turnberry’s King Robert the Bruce course was one of the […]

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