Two men have been convicted following the death of a 43-year-old man in Irvine. Image - Scottish Courts Simon Roberts, aged 32, and Sean McKie, aged 37, were found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday, 14 April, 2026, following a trial. They are due to be sentenced at a later date. The incident happened around 6pm on Tuesday, 24 September, 2024, when Malcolm McCandlish was seriously assaulted on the town’s High Street. He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University

Residents and interested parties are invited to view the final plans for 43 modern, energy efficient homes at the site of the former Fullarton high flats. Following the completion of demolition of the five tower blocks in late 2023, North Ayrshire Council will give the site a new lease of life with the creation of 36 general needs homes, four amenity bungalows and three properties suitable forwheelchair users.   A drop in event to view the final plans is scheduled to be held

A talented young showjumper has been chosen to represent Team GB at the Nations Cup in Compiègne next week. Nineteen-year-old Fergal Holohan has earned his place on the team after a series of outstanding performances, underlining his growing reputation in the sport. Fergal secured selection with his two horses, Karima and Celtic Son, following an impressive display at the recent viewing trials. Competing across three classes, he delivered remarkable consistency, winning two c

Young learners in the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere have been celebrating spring with peers in Sweden through an innovative learning exchange taking place through March and April.   Pupils at Ballantrae and Colmonell primary schools have connected with children at schools in Kristianstads Vattenrike UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, using the social platform Discord to share photographs of their favourite outdoor spaces and the seasonal changes taking place.   Faith H

The Children’s Ward at University Hospital Crosshouse has been given an Easter boost thanks to a generous donation led by local man, Michael Kirkum, from Kilwinning. Michael, who has very kindly coordinated the collection of Easter eggs for many years now, delivered approximately 800 Easter eggs this year, along with craft items and treat-filled gift bags, to bring some seasonal joy to young patients spending Easter in hospital. Michael visited the children ward last week to

By Doug Maclean Aviation Editor Over the decades many unusual airlines have found Prestwick’s long runway useful for a stop over between North America and Europe. Alaska Airlines joined that prestigious list on Tuesday when a beautiful Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrived from Seattle on the far west coast of the USA. Image - Callum Aviation As flight number ASA9965 touched down in Europe for the first time the Alaska Airlines news team clarified why they were in Scotland. They tol

Dobbies Garden Centre in Ayr has helped raise more than £4,200 for Alzheimer’s Research UK as part of a national partnership that has brought in £235,000 in its first year. The fundraising total was announced as Dobbies Garden Centres marked the first year of its partnership with the dementia research charity, which launched in March 2025. Ayr store customers and staff contributed £4,213 to the overall figure through a range of in-store and community fundraising efforts. Dobb

Stagecoach South Scotland has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s Scottish Transport Awards, earning national recognition for its work in sustainable transport and customer marketing. The operator has been named a finalist in the Contribution to Sustainable Transport category, reflecting its role in delivering one of Scotland’s most ambitious electric bus programmes. It has also been shortlisted for Excellence in Travel Information and Marketing for its Service

North Ayrshire Council’s Ranger Service and country park staff have shared their disappointment following the discovery of significant damage caused by illegal, off-road vehicle usage at Eglinton Country Park. Taking place during the Easter weekend, the park's busiest weekend of the year for families to visit, several locations have been affected with water pooling and tyre marks now prominent in key areas including the perimeter lawn of Eglinton Castle and land adjacent to t

The Music Service has showcased the talent and dedication of children and young people across East Ayrshire during March - a month of incredible energy, achievement, and musical celebration. Throughout the month, over 900 pupils took part in Benedetti Foundation classroom workshops, bringing world-class musical inspiration directly into schools. These engaging sessions ignited creativity, built confidence, and offered pupils the chance to experience music-making on a whole ne

Ayrshire-based Land Energy has been named winner of the Business Excellence Award at the 2026 Ayrshire Chamber Annual Dinner. The award, sponsored by Donnini Apartments, LMA Architects, Prestwick Aerosystems and UKSE, recognises the company’s commitment to strong performance through the alignment of strategy, people and processes, while continuing to deliver value for customers, stakeholders and wider society. Land Energy communications officer David Bone said the business wa

A new family-run sweet shop has opened on the Brodick beachfront, bringing a mix of nostalgia and modern treats to the Isle of Arran. The Sweet Spot has been launched by local business owners Vik and Daniel Steel, who are also known for running the Isle of Arran Candle Company. The new venture has been created as a true family project, inspired by their daughters Lily, 10, and Evie, 15. Lily came up with the shop’s name, while Evie designed the logo, with the whole family hel

Officers are appealing for information following an attempted murder in Ayr. The incident happened within a property on Mill Street around 4.15pm on Saturday, 4 April, 2026, when a 34-year-old man was stabbed. He was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for treatment. Detective Sergeant Davie Gillies, of Ayr CID, said: “The victim sustained serious injuries during this incident so we are urgently appealing to anyone with any information that could assist ou

One of Galston’s most prominent buildings has been brought back into public use, following a £3.45m restoration project undertaken by East Ayrshire Council. The new Galston Town Hall will officially open its doors to the public on Wednesday  8 April 2026, offering a new location for the public library, and a skills and learning hub to enhance further the Council’s commitment to giving local people the skills to learn and work. The refurbishment officially got underway in Janu

Pupils from Pennyburn Primary were treated to a memorable day out with a special visit to The Killie Community Hub and Rugby Park. The North Ayrshire youngsters began their trip with a tour of the hub, where they learned more about the wide range of work carried out by The Killie Community and the support it provides across the local area. They then headed to Rugby Park for an exciting behind-the-scenes look around the famous stadium, giving pupils the chance to experience on

Cecchini’s of Ayr has embraced the Easter season in eye-catching style this year, with the well-known venue transformed by a stunning display of spring colours, floral touches and charming bunny-themed decorations. The restaurant has created a warm and cheerful Easter look both inside and out, with pastel-coloured eggs, garlands and seasonal features giving the venue a bright and welcoming feel. From the decorated exterior to the carefully styled interior tables and seating a

An 88-year-old woman has died following a collision in Largs on Wednesday, 1 April, 2026. Around 10.05am, the female pedestrian was crossing Main Street when she was struck by an HGV being driven by a 51-year-old man. Emergency services attended but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Sergeant Gordon Stewart said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who died. “Our enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing. “We urge anyone who witnessed the c

A multi award-winning mobile chip van has called for a review of a North Ayrshire Council licensing rule which it says is making it difficult to trade safely and effectively. Photo: Ayrshire Daily News Joanna’s Chippy Van, which serves communities across Ayrshire, has been in contact with the local authority regarding a condition attached to its itinerant licence. The rule restricts traders to a maximum of 20 minutes at any one location before they must move on. Owner Calum K

Plans to introduce a seasonal entry fee for visitors to Ayr’s beachfront have sparked widespread discussion ahead of the busy summer period. The proposal, which is understood to be under early consideration, would see a managed section of the beach introduced during peak months, with controlled access in place. Under the suggested model, visitors could pay £5 per adult, £2 per child under 16, or £10 for a family ticket covering two adults and two children for the day. Local r

A member of the Hydro Health Club at Seamill Hydro has raised more than £1,500 for charity after completing a deeply personal fitness challenge. Wendy Spencer successfully raised £1,503 for the British Heart Foundation after taking on her “Heartversary 26/26” challenge throughout the month of March. The initiative saw her walk and swim a combined total of 26 miles in recognition of two significant milestones within her family. The challenge marked 10 years since her daughter