Charity plea for Aldi donation scheme

Charities and community groups across Ayrshire are being encouraged to sign up to Aldi's surplus food donation scheme ahead of the busy summer holiday period. Working alongside the community giving platform Neighbourly, Aldi redistributes surplus food from its stores that is approaching its use-by date. The supermarket has already donated more than 8.8 million meals this year and expects to provide a further one million meals during the school holidays. Local organisations not already involved can register their interest through […]

04/07/2026 18

News

Ayr cinema to host autism-friendly screening

The Astoria Cinema in Burns Statue Square, Ayr, is hosting an autism-friendly screening of Toy Story 5 on Sunday, July 5, offering a more relaxed cinema experience for families and film fans. The special screening will feature slightly raised lighting, lower sound levels, no adverts or trailers before the film, and guests will be free to move around the auditorium if needed. The sessions are designed to make cinema more accessible for autistic people and anyone who benefits from a […]

04/07/2026 13

News

Killie and Ayr bid for UK Town of Culture

Two Ayrshire towns will be running for a UK Government initiative, and are calling on the region's people to celebrate their "incredible communities". Kilmarnock and Ayr will be running for the UK Town of Culture 2028 in a bid to showcase "original storytelling, and empowering, accessible culture". Building on the UK City of Culture programme success, the competition aims to recognise towns of all sizes that use culture for "community pride, economic growth, and long-term regeneration". The towns will be […]

02/07/2026 61

News

Consultation launched for 20 mph limit

North Ayrshire Council has launched a public consultation on its new 20mph speed limit programme across towns and villages. The online consultation opened on July 1 and will remain available until August 26, giving residents, businesses and road users the opportunity to share their views on the temporary speed reductions introduced across residential streets and urban areas. Feedback will help the council decide on the permanent future of the 20mph programme, which forms part of the Scottish Government’s National Strategy […]

02/07/2026 19

News

Wind strikes causes ferry disruption

CalMac has cancelled its late evening ferry from Brodick to Ardrossan because of strong winds affecting services. The scheduled 7.20pm sailing on Wednesday, July 1, was called off, with ferry operator CalMac warning that other sailings between Troon and Brodick could also be cancelled at short notice depending on weather conditions. As a result of the disruption, the 7am sailing from Ardrossan on Thursday, July 2, was also been cancelled. Alternative sailings will operate using MV Isle of Arran before […]

02/07/2026 15

News

Killie takeaway celebrates 10 years

A family-run Chinese takeaway in Kilmarnock is celebrating 10 years in business. New Fun Heng, based on Wellington Street, first opened as a restaurant before changing to a takeaway following family retirements. Owners say they've overcome significant challenges over the past decade, including difficult trading during the pandemic when customer numbers dropped dramatically. The takeaway thanked customers for their continued support and says it remains focused on improving its food and service after receiving a Highly Recommended award in the […]

02/07/2026 15

News

Arran pub welcomes technology boost

A pub on the Isle of Arran has secured a major technology upgrade after being selected as a winner in Samsung’s Raise The Bar campaign. The Pierhead Tavern has taken on the initiative, fronted by former England footballer Joe Cole, which celebrates the role pubs play in bringing communities together during the football season. After receiving hundreds of nominations from across the UK, The Tavern was chosen to receive a technology package worth thousands of pounds. The upgrade is designed […]

02/07/2026 24

News

Council press on with pavement parking ban

East Ayrshire Council is moving ahead with the next phase of its pavement parking ban following further assessments across the region. Since enforcement began in June 2025, the council has completed 89 additional street assessments after requests from residents, businesses and elected members. A review identified 28 more streets to have been exempt from the pavement parking restrictions, while some locations will also receive new waiting restrictions to help traffic move safely. Detailed survey work will now begin before a […]

02/07/2026 22

News

Ayrshire communities funded ahead of summer games

Three Ayrshire community organisations have secured a combined £28,520 through the National Lottery Awards for All Scotland programme to support activities linked to the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Lochlan’s Legacy in Cumnock received £10,000 to deliver four sporting and social events for young people living with Type 1 diabetes. Darvel Area Regeneration Team (DART) was awarded £8,520 to organise a free cycling and walking festival, while Kilwinning Community Football Academy also received £10,000 for a free community programme. The funding is […]

01/07/2026 16