MPS Clark raises funding concerns for knife campaign

Ayrshire MSP Katy Clark has criticised a reduction in funding for the No Knives, Better Lives campaign, warning it could affect pilot projects in North Ayrshire. YouthLink Scotland received £447,000 to deliver the programme during 2025/26, but that has fallen to £302,940 for 2026/27. North Ayrshire Youth Services has run pilot projects in Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston and Irvine, alongside regional training for practitioners across Ayrshire on violence and weapon prevention.

13/08/2026 19

News

No new Primary 1 pupils at rural school

Minishant Primary is the only school in South Ayrshire with no new Primary 1 pupils for the 2026/27 academic year, according to estimated intake figures. Seven rural primary schools are each expecting fewer than five new pupils. Barr Primary is set to have one new Primary 1 pupil, while Barrhill and Straiton Primary Schools are each expecting two. Coylton has the highest expected intake among the schools mentioned, with 31 new pupils, followed by Annbank with 25 and Symington and […]

13/08/2026 25

News

Auchinleck House to host public opening

Auchinleck House will open to the public for free on September 12 and 13, giving visitors a rare opportunity to explore the historic building. The Landmark Trust open days will run from 10am to 4pm on both days. There will also be a special performance from the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra on Sunday, September 13 at 1pm. Booking in advance is preferred, although drop-in visitors are also welcome.

13/08/2026 31

News

Cancer charity open new support group

Ayrshire Cancer Support has launched a new after-hours peer support group called Peer Plus One. The group is open to anyone living with cancer, supporting someone through it, or adjusting to life after treatment. It aims to provide an informal space where people can share experiences and connect with others who understand their journey. It will meet monthly, alternating between Ayrshire Cancer Support’s centres in Ayr and Kilmarnock, and encourages people to bring family and friends close to them.

13/08/2026 18

News

Chinook copter confirmed for Ayr show flypast

Organisers of the International Ayr Show have expressed their delight at introducing an aircraft to the schedule, which is believed to have a "unmistakeable" sound. The Festival of Flight taking place in early September will see the Joint Aviation Command Chinook helicopter make an appearance. The aircraft will join the likes of Red Arrows and Eurofighter Typhoon in entertaining the crowd lining the up along Ayr shorefront next month. South Ayrshire Council believe this latest addition is a "special" one […]

12/08/2026 25

News

Largs café takes regional award

Café @ Vikingar! in Largs is celebrating after being named the winner of the Best Attraction Café category at the Ayrshire Business Awards 2026. The café, on Greenock Road and part of KA Leisure, said the team was completely overwhelmed by the result. The café had previously described being nominated as an achievement in itself, but has now taken the regional title. The team also thanked the local community for voting, with the café now progressing to the national awards.

11/08/2026 26

News

Ayrshire prepares for solar eclipse

Ayrshire residents are being urged to prepare for a rare partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12. Around 90 per cent of the Sun will be covered by the Moon, making it the greatest coverage visible from the UK since 1999. In Ayrshire, the eclipse will begin at 6.09pm, reach maximum coverage at around 7.07pm and finish at 8.01pm. Royal Museums Greenwich recommends using ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses, saying ordinary sunglasses do not provide enough protection from harmful solar […]

11/08/2026 73

News

Ayr show travel plans revealed

Transport plans have been announced for this year’s International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight. Stagecoach has renewed its partnership with South Ayrshire Council ahead of the free event at Ayr’s Low Green on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5. Park-and-ride shuttle buses will operate during the event, with services from Ayr Racecourse on both days and Rozelle on the Saturday. South Ayrshire Council will also provide pre-bookable parking, and visitors are being advised to plan their journeys in […]

11/08/2026 23

News

Ayr’s oldest house given new owners

The historic 16th-century Loudoun Hall is now under the new ownership of WMA Group. Once home to the Sheriff of Ayr, the town's oldest surviving house was formerly owned by South Ayrshire Council for around 50 years. The building had been closed since the pandemic because of high running costs. WMA Group says it wants to preserve the townhouse while creating a community and events venue for local groups, businesses, and exhibitions.

11/08/2026 18