Rare Burns portrait on show before birthday

Rare Burns portrait on show before birthday

A long-lost portrait of Robert Burns is on display, for the first time, in Scotland's national gallery ahead of the poet's 267th birthday. Painted by Sir Henry Raeburn, the portrait of the Ayrshire-born bard was lost for over 200 years before being discovered in March 2025. The piece, which mimics Alexander Nasmyth's famous portrait of Burns, was auctioned for £68,000 to collector William Zachs. Edinburgh-born Raeburn was commissioned to design his take on Nasmyth's painting in 1803, seven years after […]

24/01/2026 89 1

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Celebrity’s bid saves Ayr bakery

An Ayr bakery has been saved by a celebrity's donation after being scammed out of £8,000. The Rebel Bakery, located in North Harbour Industrial Estate, was given a £7,000 donation by entrepreneur Steven Bartlett after being targeted last week. Cafe owner Rachel Munro discovered that £8,000 had been taken from the business account following a phone call from someone posing as a fraud prevention team. When Munro reported the fraud to her bank, they refused to reimburse her as they […]

22/01/2026 449 5

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Businesses react to axing of cycle lanes

Ayr businesses have welcomed a last-minute turnaround on the council’s proposed town centre cycle lanes. South Ayrshire Council met today, 20 January, and confirmed plans in the Accessible Ayr project would be deferred until a later date, with the lanes no longer being included. The “ambitious" Accessible Ayr programme is in partnership with the council, Ayrshire Roads Alliance and Sustrans. Ayr MSP Siobhan Brown took to social media to share her thoughts on the reversal of the cycle lane […]

20/01/2026 74

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Memory-making build for former Largs cinema

A historic Ayrshire cinema will be reimagined in Lego, and organisers want to hear locals’ memories. Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and their Big Lego Build's project, are hosting an event, on February 9 and 10, for children and adults to rebuild Largs' Viking Cinema. The iconic venue, known for its “flamboyant” design, occupied Gogoside Road until it closed its doors for the final time, in 1973. HES are giving participants the opportunity to work alongside master Lego builder Alistair Jerks, […]

15/01/2026 64

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NHS Ayrshire and Arran in Budget boost

NHS Ayrshire and Arran is set for "record" funding after the latest Scottish Budget announcement for 2026-27. The plan published yesterday, 13 January, by the Scottish Government outlined that NHS boards in Scotland will receive £17.6 billion in funding. Ayrshire and Arran's health board is included with an £88.2 million boost to its budget, with the total reaching £1.095 billion for 2026/27. This stands at a 24% increase in a two-year period from £1.007 billion in the 2025/26 term. Kenneth […]

14/01/2026 155 2 2

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Ayr pet business launch petition in treat concerns

An Ayrshire business has launched a petition to ban a dog treat material believed to pose a "serious risk" to pets. What The Pup Ayr posted the appeal last week, calling for a ban on rawhide, or untanned animal skin. The treat material has been linked to choking, blockages and digestive issues. The local pet shop warned that harsh chemicals and bacteria risks can cause serious issues for canines consuming the material. A spokesperson from What The Pup said: "We […]

13/01/2026 260 6

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Growth fund boost for Ayrshire

Ayrshire is set to benefit as part of the UK Government's new Local Growth Fund along with various other local regions Launched today (8 January) by Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, the region will receive £11.8m as part of the overall £140m programme to help "drive economic growth" from term 2026/27 to 28/29. Regional projects hoping to see a difference over the next few years across East, North, and South Ayrshire include infrastructure investment, business support, and skills development. In statement […]

08/01/2026 69 1

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East Ayrshire Council announces extended school closures

East Ayrshire Council have given an update on school closures in the region amidst heating and flooding problems. The Barony Campus' Robert Burns Academy and its supported learning centre, which will reopen to pupils on Monday 12 January, have been affected due to internal flooding with other local primary schools having to delay their reopening. Hillside School, Lochnorris Primary and SLC, and Cherry Trees ECC within the Cumnock-based campus will remain closed tomorrow as the council continues to "consider their […]

06/01/2026 1402 2

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Popular Ayrshire soft play to return to original venue

A popular Ayrshire children's soft play has given a heartfelt announcement of "coming to a close" to make way for a multi-purpose events space. Pirate Pete's at Ayr beachfront has thanked supporters and families across the years while in business with the venue now being reimagined as Ayr Pavilion, a "vibrant music and events space". The venue promises to bring a wide range of cross-genre music and cultural events such as live bands, children's entertainment, and art exhibitions. A spokesperson […]

06/01/2026 258 2