Comeback cinema group praises organ arrival

Comeback cinema group praises organ arrival

The Friends of the Broadway Prestwick has praised an "amazing" donation of an original organ, in the midst of its restoration. The Wurlitzer organ was welcomed by the Prestwick cinema group, following its donation by a private collector, and will become Scotland's first since the golden age of the 1930s. Originally developed to accompany the classic silent films , the American-built instrument will make its return as the reopening of the South Ayrshire venue nears. Guy Walker, Chair of Friends […]

06/03/2026 97

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Community groups’ joy at harbour purchase

Negotiations to buy Ardrossan Harbour concluded earlier this week, much to the "great relief and joy" of campaign groups fighting for its future. Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP announced at Holyrood on Tuesday that a deal was struck for the North Ayrshire port between Peel Ports and Caledonian Maritime Assests Ltd (CMAL). Hyslop assured that the agreement would be signed later this month to secure public ownership. The news comes after questions over the site's future, that campaigners believed the […]

05/03/2026 59

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Data centre plans under debate

Plans for an artificial intelligence centre in Ayrshire, predicted to be "one of the largest on earth", has come under debate with environmental and job concerns arising. Lanarkshire-based Intelligent Land Investments (ILI) Group has proposed the technology hub to be built near HMP Kilmarnock, as one of three "hyperscale" Scotland sites. Their project, named The Stoics, a £15 billion Green Digital Network for the central belt, has been criticised with regards to its impact on the surrounding area and job […]

03/03/2026 133 3

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Ayrshire council tax rises to protect services

Ayrshire local authorities have approved council tax rises for 2026/27, with one believing "reflects the determination to minimise any rises while protecting services". North and East Ayrshire agreed to the move during the week, with the former increasing its taxes by 8.5 per cent and the latter by 6.9 per cent. For East Ayrshire, it remains the "lowest increase across Ayrshire" with the other authority believing the move comes from a "challenging" budget being set. One area of focus pointed […]

28/02/2026 110

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Ayrshire MSP calls for rail line investment

An Ayrshire MSP is calling for UK government investment to improve one of the region's rail lines, where disruptions and faults are "common". Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, has shared his concerns with others in the council area for the Glasgow to Largs line. North Ayrshire-based Gibson believes that issues linking the coastal town and city has often left "passengers stranded without clear information". A Facebook post by Mr Gibson said: "I have again been contacted by several constituents […]

26/02/2026 143

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Ayrshire lights up to raise awareness

Ayrshire joined together at the weekend to raise awareness of a neurological condition, that 77 per cent of people have never heard of. World Encephalitis Day was observed on February 22, with East Ayrshire Council supporting #Red4WED to notify the region of the "serious" and "life-changing" condition. Kilmarnock's viaduct was lit up in red as part of the local authority's support for those affected by the condition, which results in brain inflammation. A spokesperson from Encephalitis International believes 2026 is […]

24/02/2026 228

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Drug consumption unit plea by West MSP

A West Scotland MSP believes that drug use in North Ayrshire is a "serious problem", and that a safe drug consumption unit should be introduced. Liberal Democrat Jamie Greene sees the crisis to be "far worse" than other council areas in the west and hopes the region can follow Glasgow's successful trial from last year. Events such as the UK's first nitazine lab being discovered and rising numbers of overdoses and deaths have put the region under the spotlight for […]

21/02/2026 69

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Ayrshire links help global tartan design winner

Cultural and historical links from North Ayrshire have helped a school pupil's design success story, and it may appear at the World Cup. Six-year-old Indie Menzies came up with the "Spirit of Brazil" tartan selected by a nationwide competition launched by the Brazilian Consulate of Edinburgh. It is believed that the region's strong connections to the South American nation played a big part in the winning design from the Largs Primary School pupil. The likes of Kelburn Castle, whose striking […]

19/02/2026 82

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Ayrshire pays tribute to legend Duvall

Ayrshire has been paying tribute to Hollywood legend Robert Duvall who passed away at the age of 95. The death of the Godfather star was confirmed by wife Luciana on Facebook on 16 February, believing he was a "beloved husband and cherished friend". The post by Mrs Duvall added: "Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort. To the world, he was an Academy award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything." People […]

16/02/2026 85