World Cup day off dilemma for local councils

World Cup day off dilemma for local councils

An Ayrshire local authority is yet to decide if a World Cup bank holiday is given to staff this summer, while it's neighbours have already made up their minds. East Ayrshire Council are still in discussions if an extra day off is necessary to mark Scotland's first global tournament appearance since 1998. Warnings have come from the authority surrounding costs, which could reach around £250,000, with officers recommending a vote against the additional holiday to calm financial pressures. Scots boss […]

30/03/2026 372

News

Bakery named in annual awards shortlist

The Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2026 shortlist has been revealed, and an Ayrshire bakery are "very pleased" to be in the running. Kilmarnock-based Fergusons Bakery will be among 48 others throughout the nation competing for the top prize at the awards night in May. Wednesday 25 March saw a "rigorous" judging process of each bakeries' items at Dunfermline's Carnegie Conference and Events Centre, with Scottish Bakers labelling contenders as "local heroes". Fergusons, based in Glencairn Industrial Estate, believes […]

27/03/2026 82

News

Ayrshire powerchair team made champions

Ayrshire's only powerchair football club have been crowned champions of their division following victory at the weekend. Ayrshire Tigers claimed the Scottish Powerchair Championship on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Strathclyde Dynamo at Dundee's Regional Performance Centre. The final day showdown on Tayside saw the Tigers move above Strathclyde onto top spot of the four-team division, finishing the nine-game season with 22 points. The club hailed the effort of management team of Jake Vullan, Zarah Barlas, and Darren Driffield […]

25/03/2026 44

News

Ayrshire hotel claims top award

An Ayrshire hotel has been congratulated for recent triumphs at two awards ceremony, being crowned the "Best Budget-Friendly" hotel at one of them. The Abbotsford Hotel in Ayr struck gold at the "hugely successful" Scottish Golf Tourism and National Hotel of the Year awards, and has been praised by the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce. The Corsehill Road venue was recognised at the Golf Business awards for it's budget-friendly approach on the 12 March event which, according to the website, placed […]

23/03/2026 432

News

Ayrshire clubs share delight at licence grants

Football clubs in Ayrshire have expressed their delighted at being recommended for licencing by the Scottish Football Association. Troon, Beith Juniors, and Largs Thistle, who all play in the West of Scotland Premier Division, shared the news this week for Entry Level licences from the public body. Division One Whitletts Victoria also got confirmation to be granted their licence, and believe it is a moment of "incredible pride" in their journey. The clubs also thanked the hard work to "tick […]

20/03/2026 540

News

Groups react to completed harbour purchase

Campaign groups fighting for the future of Ardrossan Harbour have reacted to the news of the Scottish government's official purchase of the site. A deal was struck nearly a fortnight ago between public bodies Peel Ports and Caledonian Maritime Assets LTD for the North Ayrshire port. The site now officially goes into public ownership with CMAL, who already own 27 west coast harbours, taking control on behalf of the government. The cost agreed between the two parties is still unknown […]

18/03/2026 103

News

Tributes flood in for legend Fleeting

Ayrshire has been paying tribute to an "absolute gentleman", Jim Fleeting following the news of his passing yesterday aged 70. The former Ayr United player and Kilmarnock manager's death was announced on Sunday 15 March, with supporters believing he was "the nicest guy in football". Father to former Scotland international Julie, Fleeting finished his managerial career by taking the women's national team in 1998. Supporters on both sides of the Ayrshire divide shared their memories of his career on social […]

16/03/2026 347

News

Yellow wind and rain warning hits Ayrshire

A YELLOW WARNING for wind and rain has been issued across Scotland for today, and Ayrshire is one of the various regions affected. The Met Office issued the alert earlier this week with periods of strong gusts, reaching up to 50-55 miles per hour, and heavy downpours to be on the way. With South and North Ayrshire Council being coastal areas, the Office has predicted winds to reach 60 to 70 miles per hour and are asking people in those […]

12/03/2026 92

News

Record-breaking piping event looks to build

A Scottish pipe band community for schools has praised a recent "record-breaking" event in Ayrshire, and is looking to build for next year. Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT) gave thanks to 172 schools that attended this years Championships at Kilmarnock's William McIlvanney Campus on Sunday 8 March. The packed event hosted the likes of Irvine schools, Strathmore schools, and Edinburgh's George Watson College competing in categories such as freestyle and quartets. Following the trust celebrating the event, they are […]

10/03/2026 55