North Ayrshire gym wins planning approval

Mission:FIT in Kilwinning has welcomed planning approval from North Ayrshire Council after a retrospective change of use application was approved this week. The Alexandra Terrace gym had operated for almost four years before operators realised formal permission was required. Gym boss Roy Blakely described the process as stressful, while thanking supporters including team members Nicki Duffy and Cameron Blades. Despite objections relating to parking, noise and suitability of the premises, councillors approved the application after receiving around 20 comments supporting […]

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News

Ayrshire pub confirms surprise reopening

The Kirkton Inn in Dalrymple is preparing to reopen after closing suddenly earlier this year. The popular Main Street venue confirmed the news through a newly launched Facebook page. The pub and restaurant shut its doors in April 2025 and was later placed on the market with offers over £450,000. New teasers shared online have shown off refreshed interiors ahead of the reopening. The Kirkton Inn has encouraged customers to follow its social media pages for further updates, with locals […]

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Charity match to honour former pupil

A charity football match is set to take place in memory of former Belmont Academy pupil Tia Muir, who died a day after her 15th birthday in July last year following a battle with an aggressive brain tumour. Organiser Iain Wilson hopes to raise £1,000 for Ayrshire Cancer Support through a JustGiving fundraiser linked to the event. Tia had been diagnosed with Diffuse Midline Glioma at Crosshouse Hospital after several weeks of illness. The charity match will take place at […]

25/05/2026 21

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Lowland Gathering returns to Girvan

The countdown is officially on for the 43rd Carrick Lowland Gathering at Victory Park in Girvan, with organisers preparing for another packed day of entertainment on Sunday, June 7. The annual event, organised by Girvan and District Attractions, will run from 11am until 4pm, with the official opening taking place at 12.45pm by this year’s Chieftain, Provost Iain Campbell. Mr Campbell described the gathering as one of South Ayrshire’s most cherished annual events and praised the dedication of the volunteer […]

23/05/2026 77

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United fans launch new supporters’ association

A new Ayr United Supporters’ Association has officially opened memberships as fans look to play a bigger role in the future of the club. The AUSA says its aim is to improve communication between supporters and the Somerset Park board while helping develop ideas to improve the matchday experience. Memberships are available from £5, with under-16 memberships costing £1. The group says more than 1,000 responses were received during a recent fan survey, with improving the atmosphere at Somerset Park […]

23/05/2026 23

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Visit Ayrshire & Arran showcase region in Glasgow

More than 75 Ayrshire tourism businesses have been promoted to international travel buyers during VisitScotland Connect 2026 in Glasgow. The region was represented by Visit Ayrshire & Arran, a partnership involving Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, VisitArran and the three Ayrshire councils. Businesses including Auchrannie Resort, SimpsInns and Trump Turnberry took part in meetings with domestic and overseas buyers across the two-day event. Visitors also attended familiarisation tours to locations including Culzean Castle, Dundonald Castle, Lochgreen House Hotel, the Scottish Maritime […]

23/05/2026 51

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Pavilion brings live rock back

Live music is returning to Ayr Pavilion as the historic seaside venue launches a renewed programme of rock shows, touring artists and tribute performances. The venue is reopening as a 650-capacity standing and 250-seat entertainment space, with organisers aiming to attract a mix of heritage acts, live rock performances and year-round music events. A new house PA system and in-house production team will support future gigs at the venue. Owner Curtis Briggs said the team was excited to welcome live […]

23/05/2026 25

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Primary School earns UNICEF Gold award

Dalmellington Primary School and Early Childhood Centre has been awarded a Gold Rights Respecting Award from UNICEF in recognition of its work supporting and empowering young people. The award makes the school one of only eleven in East Ayrshire to receive the honour. Staff and pupils demonstrated how the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child are embedded throughout school life and the wider curriculum. The achievement follows a recent positive HM Inspectors of Education […]

23/05/2026 20

News

Community condemns destroyed growing efforts

An Ayrshire gardening community has shared the "devastating" news of damage done to growing efforts in their greenhouse, and people in the local are have reached out with their support. Eglinton Community Gardens shared a video on social media this morning (21 May) showing the destruction caused by "mindless" people to the site in near Kilwinning the previous night. The North Ayrshire group condemned the act committed on their vegetation patch, which was grown as a contribution to Green Health […]

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