North Ayrshire Council to review World Cup bank holiday

North Ayrshire Council is set to reconsider its decision to introduce a special bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the World Cup. The proposed day off on Monday, June 15 had initially been approved for council staff. However, the decision has been called in by councillors who raised concerns about the estimated costs and potential impact on productivity. The matter will now be reviewed again at a council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, where a final decision is […]

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Citadel Leisure Centre upgrade works begin April 20

Work is continuing on the major redevelopment of the Citadel Leisure Centre in Ayr, with a new phase of internal construction now underway. The £10 million project is being led by Alliance Leisure and aims to modernise the popular facility. From Monday, April 20, gym users will need to access the building via a temporary rear entrance for around four weeks. The upgrades will include new fitness areas, a spa, café, family activity spaces and improved changing facilities, while most […]

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Scottish Grand National returns to Ayr Racecourse

The Scottish Grand National Festival is returning to Ayr Racecourse for a major weekend of racing on Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18. The main race is set to take place at 3:35pm on Saturday, drawing large crowds to the area. Transport providers including ScotRail and Stagecoach have put additional services in place across both days to support racegoers travelling to Ayr. While tickets for Saturday have sold out, limited availability remains for Friday’s Ladies Day, which includes racing […]

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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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