Troon Men’s Shed has secured a significant boost after South Ayrshire Council approved its Community Asset Transfer application for the Hosiery Park Pavilion. The decision, confirmed on Tuesday, June 16, marks a major milestone for the organisation following 19 months of work, consultation and engagement with the local community. The approval paves the way for the group to continue plans to transform the pavilion into a permanent home for Troon Men’s Shed, creating a dedicate

SP Energy Networks has released details of the country's largest early‑morning electricity surges, as millions of fans stayed up to watch the national men’s team’s triumphant return to the FIFA World Cup. Engineers recorded an up to 15% rise in overnight electricity demand during the match, in the central belt and south of Scotland. Equivalent to around 200,000 additional homes coming online at a time that is usually one of the quietest for the network. The biggest spikes we

While football fans across Scotland were celebrating the national team’s opening World Cup match, there was another remarkable Scottish success story unfolding thousands of miles away in Thailand. Ayrshire fighter Craig Marshall has achieved a major milestone in his Muay Thai career by winning on his debut at the prestigious Rajadamnern World Series in Bangkok, one of the sport’s most respected and historic stages. Competing at a venue regarded as a dream destination for figh

Detectives are appealing for information after a man was found injured in Ayr. Around 3.30pm on Saturday, 13 June, 2026, police received a report a man had been stabbed within a property on Davidson Place. Emergency services attended and the 57-year-old man was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Extensive enquiries are under way as officers work to establish how the man came about his injuries. Detective Constable Stewart Gordon said: “I am appealing to anyone

A former Marr College and Marr Rugby Club player from Troon is preparing to take on an extraordinary endurance challenge in aid of a charity close to the hearts of the rugby community. Ali Walker is set to run the famous North Coast 500 route, covering approximately 500 miles over seven days, to raise vital funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the charity established by Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir to fund research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Walker, who prev

The Millennium Bridge in Ayr has reopened to the public following the successful completion of essential maintenance works. Image - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Ayrshire Roads Alliance confirmed that the works have now been completed, allowing the bridge to reopen well ahead of the original anticipated completion date of Sunday, 28 June. The project included blast cleaning and painting of the steel structure, as well as the removal and replacement of the anti-slip surfacing on the

Football fever is sweeping Ayrshire and Stagecoach is marking Scotland's participation in the 2026 World Cup by temporarily renaming its number 11 service 'Steve Clarke's 11' in honour of one of the area's most celebrated sporting figures. Image - Stagecoach South Scotland The special tribute recognises the achievements of Saltcoats-born Clarke, whose leadership has helped Scotland reach the world's biggest football tournament for the first time in 28 years. For the duration

A young Kilmarnock entrepreneur and Miss Great Britain finalist is preparing to put her endurance to the test as she takes on a unique 24-hour fundraising challenge in support of Breast Cancer Now. Dionne Hair, 21, owner of Sculpt Cosmetics and Indigo Aesthetics & Beauty in Kilmarnock, will undertake her “24 Hours of Strength” challenge from 10am on Saturday, June 20, until 10am on Sunday, June 21, working continuously from her salon for a full 24 hours. The challenge comes j

The site of the much admired Robert Burns Mural at the corner of John Dickie Street and Strand Street in Kilmarnock will be undergoing a makeover in June, as work starts on a brand new public feature and events space, named Poets' Corner. The project is part of the overall “Kilmarnock Masterplan” – one of many projects being undertaken now and, in the future, to enhance Kilmarnock’s townscape, natural and built environment to boost wellbeing, prosperity and opportunities for

Six beaches in South Ayrshire have once again retained the prestigious Scotland’s Beach Award from environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful. For another year, all beaches maintained by South Ayrshire Council have been recognised, with Ayr, Girvan, Maidens, Prestwick, Troon (South Beach) and Barassie meeting the key criteria set by Keep Scotland Beautiful. The awards highlight excellence across areas including amenities, biodiversity, safety and cleanliness. The Scot

An inspirational Ayrshire teenager who refused to let cancer define his future has been recognised with one of Scotland’s most prestigious honours. Image - Pride of Scotland Connor Elliot, an 18-year-old Ayr United supporter, has been named the 2026 Pride of Scotland Teenager of Courage, after overcoming a devastating cancer diagnosis and going on to represent Scotland at international level in amputee football. Connor’s remarkable journey began in November 2022 when he was d

246 children and young people from seven primary schools and Doon Academy have taken part in the annual outdoor water safety day at Loch Doon. Across Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regularly respond to emergency calls from people who have witnessed someone getting into difficulty in open water and tragically, Water Safety Scotland have reported 39 accidental water-related deaths in Scotland in 2025, with the highest number of fatalities taking place in August. To

From Glasgow Roots to Ayrshire Reputation - Why Quality Workmanship Still Matters There is something reassuring about a family-run business that has spent decades building its reputation the old-fashioned way through hard work, reliability and word of mouth. That is the story behind J. Shearer Roofing Ltd, a company whose roots began in Glasgow more than 30 years ago before expanding its services across Ayrshire and beyond. Originally established as a local roofing business s

Senior planning professionals and built environment experts from across Scotland and beyond gathered in Ayr on Thursday 4 June 2026 for the annual Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS) Conference. Held at the University of the West of Scotland's Ayr Campus, the conference brought together leaders from local authorities, national organisations, and industry to explore how planning can respond to some of Scotland's most pressing challenges. Some of the topics discussed included hou

Ayrshire is in a strong position to sustain long-term digital growth, economic resilience and competitiveness thanks to their participation in the 5G Innovation Project. The region received £4.4million from the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) team in 2024 to become one of ten 5G Innovation Regions (5GIR) across the UK. And a report, commissioned to assess the impact of the 5G Innovation Region Project, says the funding and support has

From Prestwick to the USA: David Quinn’s New Scotland Anthem Set for Take-Off Many people across Ayrshire will remember David Quinn from his days at Elliott’s in Prestwick, where he built up a loyal following through his DJ skills and larger-than-life personality. Now David is hoping to get Scotland supporters singing with a new football anthem called Scotland Party in the USA. The track was created with lyricist Simon Corbett, who flew to London to work with David on the son

Grassroots football clubs across Ayrshire are being given the chance to star in a national football series as Specsavers launches its search for the next team to feature in the latest season of its popular Best Worst Team programme. The initiative, now entering its fifth season, is looking for a struggling amateur side to receive expert support and guidance from some of the biggest names in football in a bid to transform their fortunes on and off the pitch. The campaign follo

More than 125 people gathered at University Hospital Ayr to celebrate this year’s Ayrshire Achieves awards. The event brought together staff from NHS Ayrshire & Arran and the three local health and social care partnerships to recognise outstanding contributions across health and social care in Ayrshire. Held in the dining rooms at University Hospital Ayr, the awards celebrated shortlisted finalists across a range of categories, with winners chosen following a public and staff

A community music event in Kilmarnock has raised £4,201 for two important causes. Music at the Park, held at The Park Hotel, brought together 268 people for an evening of live entertainment, laughter and community spirit. The proceeds from the event will be shared equally between The Killie Community and Alzheimer Scotland, supporting work that makes a real difference across Ayrshire. The evening featured a strong line-up of performers, including Jai McDowall and his father,

Families across North Ayrshire have made their voices heard as North Ayrshire Council officially confirmed its school term and holiday dates for the 2027/28 academic year. ​The newly-published calendar covers both mainland and Arran schools, mapping out exactly when classrooms will be open and when pupils can enjoy their well-earned breaks. ​Currently, North Ayrshire’s Education Service operates with two school holiday calendars - one for schools on the mainland and Cumbrae,