Dog rescue charity marks four years

An Ayr dog rescue is celebrating four years as a registered charity, marking another milestone in its work. Saving and Rehoming Strays, founded by Claire Revis, have been rescuing dogs from Romania for more than a decade, with around 50 dogs now being cared for at any one time. Many of the animals are older, disabled or have ongoing health issues, and the organisation says around 90 per cent of them that cannot be rehomed remain at the sanctuary permanently. […]

10/06/2026 7

News

Doon Campus work set for 2027

The timetable for the Doon Valley Community Campus project in Dalmellington has been updated as financial pressures continue for the development. According to a council report, work is now expected to begin on the £33 million project in April 2027. Work on the site had originally been expected to start earlier, but rising costs and wider market conditions have affected planning. The first phase of the development is targeted for completion by August 2028, while the remaining phases, including demolition […]

09/06/2026 17

News

Stevenston pensioner begins UK charity cycle

A Stevenston pensioner is preparing to take on an extraordinary cycling challenge in aid of charity. John Baxter, 78, will leave Land’s End on Friday, June 12, and cycle around 1,100 miles to John o’ Groats. He expects the journey to take around three weeks, travelling approximately 50 miles per day along the east coast route. The fundraising effort is in support of Tearfund, a charity working with communities in some of the world’s poorest countries. John said he was […]

09/06/2026 17

News

Council proposes £1.5m community fund

Communities across North Ayrshire could soon benefit from a new investment fund worth almost £1.5 million from this month. North Ayrshire Council’s cabinet has proposed the creation of the Our Places, Our Communities Fund, using part of an underspend from the authority’s 2025/26 budget. The fund would support projects suggested by local residents to improve neighbourhoods and public spaces. Ideas could range from community tidy-ups and maintenance work through to larger regeneration projects.

09/06/2026 18

News

Taj confirms new Kilmarnock venue

One of Ayrshire’s most established restaurants is preparing to expand with a new venue in Kilmarnock. The family behind Taj Prestwick has confirmed it will take over the former Caffe Sala premises on Queen Street. The restaurant team says the new venture will be operated by the same family, using the same chefs and authentic recipes that have built the business’s reputation over decades. The new restaurant is expected to open soon, with further updates on an official launch date […]

09/06/2026 69

News

Ayr fan honoured at Scottish awards

An Ayr United supporter has been recognised at the Pride of Scotland Awards after overcoming a life-changing cancer diagnosis. 18-year-old Connor Elliot from Ayr was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma in November 2022 and later lost a leg as part of his treatment. Despite the challenges he has faced, Elliot has continued to pursue his passion for football. He is now a rising star with Scotland’s amputee football team and is being honoured for his determination, resilience and inspirational achievements.

09/06/2026 17

News

Runners praised for Sunday Killie run

Participants in an annual Ayrshire run have been praised for their "incredible effort" in the event, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. Roon The Toon in Kilmarnock ran on Sunday 7 June, starting from the town's Athletics Arena with its 10km route stretching to Gargieston and the town centre. Supporters of families and individuals taking on the run lined the streets of the East Ayrshire town, spurring them on to the finish line of the "well organised" event. Social […]

08/06/2026 151

News

Ayrshire pubs earn top reviews

TripAdvisor reviews have highlighted five pubs that continue to attract strong praise from customers across Ayrshire. Among the venues featured were Harbour Lights and The Carrick in Irvine, Drouthy Neebors in Largs, The Red Squirrel in Stevenston and The Newton Bar in Millport. Reviewers praised the venues for their welcoming atmosphere, quality food and friendly service. The list was compiled from customer feedback and reflects some of the region’s most popular destinations for meals, drinks and social gatherings as the […]

08/06/2026 12

News

NHS ambulance delays hit 16 Years

New figures have revealed that ambulances serving NHS Ayrshire & Arran spent a combined 144,873 hours waiting to unload patients at hospitals between 2022 and 2025. The data, released following a freedom of information request, equates to around 16-and-a-half years of ambulance turnaround time. Ayrshire and Arran recorded the fifth-highest total among Scotland’s health boards. The Scottish Ambulance Service said pressures remain significant due to hospital handover delays. NHS Ayrshire & Arran said it continues to work closely with ambulance […]

08/06/2026 7