South Ayrshire Council’s contractors discovered a time capsule that is almost 100 years old during the demolition of the former Carrick Academy building. The capsule, which dates back to 1925 - the year the school was constructed, was transferred to our Ayrshire Archives centre in Ayr for opening and inspection by our expert staff. Archive staff opened the glass time capsule and found numerous archival records including coins, newspapers, Education Authority documents and some business cards of local contractors who presumably worked on the project nearly a century ago. Unfortunately, water penetrated the time capsule over the years and as a consequence, the records were damp and damaged. However, some parts of the items are still legible, including front pages of local newspapers and an envelope which the team managed to clean enough to transcribe.  It reads, ‘Who find may keep. Present day coins of the Realm. William Reid Master of Works Ayrshire Education Authority’. The contents of the capsule underwent a process in the Archive centre workroom that allowed the records to dry out, then everything was cleaned using smoke sponges.  All of the documents that were recovered from the capsule have since been placed in melinex, an acid free clear sheeting that’s used to store archive records.  All items are now in the archives store, where the temperature and humidity is monitored to ensure the long-term preservation of records, so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come. While the items that were inside the time capsule are too fragile to be out on permanent display, plans are underway to create large vinyls that show images of the capsule and its contents. These will be installed inside the new Maybole Community Campus so pupils, staff and visitors can enjoy a trip back in time! South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education, Councillor Stephen Ferry, said: “The time capsule is a fantastic discovery, and a lasting legacy of the former Carrick Academy. It’s important that we do all we can to preserve precious finds like this and the Ayrshire Archives team have done just that in this instance. It’s also great that we’ve found a way to ensure the items can be on permanent display at the new Maybole Campus and I’ll look forward to seeing the new vinyls in situ.” South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Buildings, Housing and Environment, Councillor Martin Kilbride, said: “It was a brilliant surprise when our contractors made us aware that they’d come across a time capsule during the demolition of the Carrick Academy building.  I’m pleased that we’ve been able to recover all items from the glass capsule and our Archives team have done a wonderful job in cleaning and preserving these.  Thanks to their specialist skills, the contents of the capsule will be around for many more years to come!”

A group of passionate and talented young carers from South Ayrshire have won the grand UK finals of the Great British Care Awards for the category of Unpaid Carer, following their North East England / Scotland regional win in November. The event was held at Birmingham ICC in March and was hosted by Rylan Clark. South Ayrshire young carers, Arran, Caleb, Dorothy, Heather and Stephanie produced a short fictional film, 'The Weekend' which tells the story of three young carers and how their caring roles impact them in different ways over the space of a single weekend. The movie not only stars a number of our local young carers, but was also developed, written and filmed by young carers themselves. South Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership commissioned the film with Thriving Communities to give our unpaid young carers the opportunity to tell their own stories and share their experiences as part of a project during the 2022 summer holiday break. Filming took place with the help of local film-making social enterprise, The Iris. The film is being used for awareness-raising sessions in secondary schools across South Ayrshire to help young people self-identify if they are caring for someone and improve peer understanding. As well as this, it is being utilised as a valuable training resource for staff. Councillor Lee Lyons, Vice Chair of the South Ayrshire Integration Joint Board and Health and Social Care Portfolio Holder said, 'The Weekend is a powerful film which gives a voice to our local young carers, allowing them to share their own personal experience of their role as a carer. Giving just a flavour of their life experience helps to raise awareness and understanding of the exceptional work these young people do for their loved ones on a daily basis. The fact the film was written, performed and produced by the young carers is outstanding.' The young people have continued to raise awareness by planning and hosting a series of events, successfully raising the profile of young carers across South Ayrshire. The film is also included in a national module by Education Scotland and Carers Trust Scotland, raising awareness of young carers across Scotland. The award for Unpaid Carer is given to an unpaid carer or former carer who, in the opinion of the judges, can demonstrate commitment and perseverance in helping to bring about better recognition and support for carers. It seeks to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication that carers show to their local community or society or the difference they have made to the life of a vulnerable person they are caring for. The judges commented, ‘This extraordinary team consistently demonstrates a level of dedication that exceeds expectations. The tireless efforts and selflessness of these young carers are truly remarkable and deserve recognition. Their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others, often at such a young age, highlights the depth of their compassion and empathy. Well done!’ Claire Flanagan, Young Carers Strategy Lead Officer who led on the development of this film said, 'This is an outstanding achievement for our young carers. It has been a privilege working with them on this project and I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved. I am thrilled that they are being recognised for their hard work and dedication on such a grand scale. It is so well deserved.’ Two of the young carers, Heather (age 13) and Stephanie (age 14) attended the prestigious awards ceremony in Birmingham. Heather said, 'It was incredible to win the National Final, it was a fantastic night and an amazing experience. Being involved in such a fantastic project has been great fun and through it I've made great friends and the best memories’. A parent added, ‘It is great to see the continued recognition of what everyone involved in the project managed to achieve and I am so proud of my daughter’s part in that.' Another parent added, ‘I am so proud to be the mother of one of these young carers and wow this film shows it all in so many ways. The way they have scripted and produced their own wee film has brought awareness to everyone who has watched it. Job done!!’ The project was also awarded the Scottish Public Services Award in the Championing Diversity & Inclusion category in Holyrood at the end of last year, and is a finalist in the YouthLink Scotland National Youth Work Awards in the Equality and Diversity category in June this year.

South Ayrshire Council has taken another step towards the redevelopment of the former Hourstons and Arran Mall in Ayr. Phase one of the project will see detailed designs drawn up to show how the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (SAHSCP) and NHS Ayrshire & Arran can be accommodated within the former Hourstons building. As sole funder of the project, the Council will spend £20m on phase one which will see around 2,600m2 of floorspace within the former department store allocated for offices, as well as some healthcare services. An additional £2m will be used for the demolition of the Arran Mall and buildings to the rear of the former Hourstons. This would allow access to another 3,200m2 of space, which could be used to provide a housing-based living well village in later phases of the project. Councillor Martin Kilbride, Buildings, Housing and Environment Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “I am delighted that progress is being made on this landmark project. Now that the Arran Mall has been bought, it’s full steam ahead to get a demolition survey in place and Listed Building Consent secured. This consent is needed as we intend to keep the front of the building, which is really impressive.” Councillor Lee Lyons, Health and Social Care Portfolio Holder said: ”Removing the Arran Mall will allow the redevelopment of the Hourstons building to proceed and will also mean expansion of the living well village in the future. “In the meantime, we will continue to work with the SAHSCP and NHS Ayrshire & Arran to ensure the project meets all of their healthcare and staffing needs, as well as their servicing requirements.”

The headteacher of an island primary school and her team have received a top-class report from inspectors. Education Scotland inspectors visited Cumbrae Primary School and Nursery, in Millport, on the Isle of Cumbrae, in January. The glowing report’s findings include: • There are positive nurturing relationships between all staff and children in the school and nursery. Children are confident, secure and engage very well in learning and • The quality of experiences including outdoor learning, community projects and learning through play is high and learning is well planned and effectively supported by a range of partners. The report describes Headteacher Julie McAleese as “highly respected and aspirational”, stressing that she is “supported very well by an effective and resilient staff team” which is improving children’s attainment, experiences and outcomes. Ms McAleese said: “I am privileged to work with such a fantastic team, who are devoted to giving our pupils the best start possible in life. “We work very closely with parents, families and – of course – the children themselves to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to reach their full potential. “This positive inspection report is a testament to the hard work that is done all year-round by the teaching staff, support staff and pupils.” The report also states that Ms McAleese has worked hard to ensure the school, which has 51 pupils, is “very much at the heart of the rural island community” and one example of this is pupils meeting older people through an intergenerational group called Warm Wednesday to play games together. It praises the fact that children take part in various committees, including digital technology sustainability and health. There is also a committee that focuses on The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The UNCRC ensures that all children’s rights are respected and that they are free to learn, play and develop. Awareness is currently being raised among North Ayrshire Council staff to ensure that everyone knows about their ongoing responsibility to protect the rights of our children. In the school, all four quality indicators - leadership of change; learning, teaching and assessment; Ensuring well-being, equality and inclusion and raising attainment and achievement – were gauged as “very good”. The same four indicators in the nursery class were described as “good” and inspectors found that Ms McAleese’s leadership supports the nursery well in integrating with the school. Andrew McClelland, the Council’s Head of Service for Education, added: “I was delighted to read this inspection report. This is a clear reflection of the fantastic work being done by the whole school community. “The staff, pupils and their families should be rightly proud of the outcome of this very strong inspection. “I would like to thank our staff teams, under the leadership of Ms McAleese, for their hard work and commitment to improving outcomes for our learners.” In line with all inspections, specific areas are identified that would lead to further improvements. Examples of potential improvements for Cumbrae Primary include: children being provided with further opportunities to lead their learning; development of the nursery environment – indoors and outdoors – continuing play and development of learning experiences in the nursery continuing to ensure pupils are engaged and challenged in their learning.

South Carrick Community Leisure (SCCL) has been granted permission by South Ayrshire Council to set up a temporary gym in Girvan Community Centre. The Council agreed that SCCL can begin to move their gym equipment into the ground floor of the centre from The Quay Zone building, which was closed earlier this year due to storm damage. The Council will then work with SCCL to open the gym as quickly as possible. The Council has been in contact with current users of Girvan Community Centre to offer them alternative venues for their activities while the gym is in place. The agreement with SCCL follows an earlier collaboration with the Council which saw the reopening of the old swimming in Maybole to members of The Quay Zone. Since the closure of The Quay Zone, work has been taking place at the building to protect equipment and replace the roof. The building is now weathertight, and steps are being taken to dry out the interior and assess the extent of repair work required. Councillor Alec Clark, Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “I`m delighted to see that members of The Quay Zone will be able to access the gymnasium once again at its new location in Girvan Community Centre. “This has been a community effort where groups have relocated to other locations for the short-term to allow the business of The Quay Zone to function until the actual building is reconstructed. This is really appreciated. “There has been a strong partnership between the Council, SCCL and the community with everyone pulling out all the stops to make sure that this important facility for Girvan can be restored. The town has a vibrant community and together we can achieve an outcome to benefit the whole of Girvan and South Carrick.” Councillor Brian Connolly, Sport and Leisure Portfolio Holder said: “A lot of work has been taking place behind the scenes to prepare the way for this temporary move. Other buildings were considered, but the community centre ticked lots of boxes. There are still some issues to be addressed before the equipment can be moved, however, we have a plan, and we will keep pushing to get everything in place as quickly as possible.” Councillor Martin Kilbride, Buildings, Housing and Environment Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “The new roof at The Quay Zone is in place, which is great, but this is just the first step. There is significant water damage inside the building, and many of the internal fixtures and fittings will need to be replaced.” Allan Rattray, Chairperson of South Carrick Community Leisure said: “We are grateful to South Ayrshire Council for the support to re-open the Maybole Swimming Pool and now for the assistance to once again provide gym facilities for our members and supporters here in Girvan. Gym membership is important to hundreds of people throughout South Carrick and we look forward to welcoming them to the Dalrymple Street venue as soon as practical arrangements can be put in place.” SCCL will be in contact with their members in advance of the gym opening.

Motorists in South Ayrshire can expect smoother journeys with Kincaidston Drive set for a £562,500 resurfacing project – the biggest chunk of a £4.3 million investment in South Ayrshire's roads announced by the council this week. The funding aims to improve transport infrastructure across South Ayrshire over the next three years, with a focus on resurfacing, reconstruction, footpaths, bridges, coastal defences, and energy-saving LED street lights. Councillor Bob Pollock, Economic Development Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “Despite budget pressures, we continue to invest in our roads network. Our transport infrastructure is crucial to economic growth with our roads are one of our most valuable assets. “We continue to balance the investment in our roads with a growing number of active travel projects, recognising the physical and mental health benefits of walking, cycling and wheeling.” While Kincaidston Drive takes the top billing this year, the £4.3 million investment promises improvements across South Ayrshire's road network in the coming years.

Annanhill Primary School in Kilmarnock has been showered with praise following a stellar inspection report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE), which was published on Tuesday, 23 April. The school underwent a rigorous evaluation back in February, with the findings highlighting several strengths that set Annanhill apart in the field of education. Head Teacher, Emma Johnstone, was lauded alongside her staff for their "relentless drive" and the establishment of "calm, purposeful learning environments" throughout the school. This effort has successfully fostered a "culture of high expectations," according to the inspectors' report. The team also recognised the positive and inclusive school ethos, which has been instrumental in bolstering the relationships between students and staff. The inspectors noted the beneficial impact of these relationships on the school environment, commending the staff’s dedication to professional growth through strong partnerships and teamwork. Such efforts have notably enhanced the educational experiences of students, particularly benefiting those with additional learning needs. In response to the report, Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education, Children and Young People, visited the school to extend her congratulations to Johnstone and her team. "I was delighted to visit Annanhill Primary, on the morning their HMIE report was published, to congratulate Head Teacher Emma Johnstone and the whole school on such a positive report," she remarked. Her visit included interactions with the students, highlighting the confidence and engagement of the young learners. Johnstone expressed her pride in the school's achievements and the crucial role played by the students during the inspection. "A team of six inspectors from Education Scotland joined us for a week back in February and participated in all aspects of school life," she explained. The children were actively involved, even leading tours for the inspectors, showcasing the school’s vibrant community and their own contributions to its success. Johnstone also acknowledged the collective effort behind the school’s success. "As Head Teacher, I am so grateful for my whole team of teachers, support staff and partners within our school community," she stated, emphasising the community's dedication to providing outstanding outcomes for all pupils. The visit by Councillors Douglas Reid, Lillian Jones, and James Adams, along with Cowan’s commendations, underscores the local community’s support for the school’s educational strategies and achievements. With such strong endorsements, Annanhill Primary looks set to continue its tradition of excellence in fostering an enriching learning environment for all its students.

Linda Hill Miller, founder of Ayrshire-based LAH Travel, and renowned children’s author Shirley Husband are setting the stage to transform family travel with their latest venture, "Kaleido's Adventures." This innovative initiative aims to combine education with exploration, igniting curiosity in young minds about the vast wonders of the world. Central to this new project is Kaleido, a distinctive puppet with soft turquoise skin and colorful scales. Created by puppeteer Sally Preseig, known for her work on CBeebies favourites like Button Moon and The Tweenies, Kaleido is designed to captivate children with his mysterious origins and engaging personality. Whether hailing from prehistoric times or another world entirely, he serves as a global guide for families, teaching children about history, geography, science, and culture. "Kaleido's Adventures" is rooted in the scenic landscapes of Ayrshire but has a vision that spans across the globe. It aims to make educational content accessible and entertaining through a comprehensive online platform. The initiative’s website, www.kaleidosadventures.com, will host a variety of resources including travel videos on YouTube and educational materials aligned with school curricula, aimed at boosting children’s knowledge and enthusiasm for travel. The project also includes interactive elements such as visits to schools and events with Kaleido, operated by puppeteers trained by the renowned Henson company. This approach ensures that children not only learn from digital content but also engage with Kaleido in a tangible, memorable way. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the project, Linda Hill Miller shared a personal anecdote: “I have a 9-year-old niece, and when she was booked on her first cruise, she had all sorts of anxious thoughts about her ship sinking. It made me realise that children have many fears and questions about travel. Kaleido brings new energy and will teach the next generation how precious and wonderful our world is." Shirley Husband added, “It’s amazing to work on this project with Linda, who has worked in the travel industry for 35 years and has built a fantastic reputation amongst her colleagues and associates. We’re both extremely passionate about travel and our ability to inspire children to forget their worries, learn about the wider world and be inspired by what’s possible.” Kaleido’s Adventures is actively seeking partnerships with travel companies that wish to engage with a growing audience of families eager to explore the world. This Ayrshire-born project represents a unique opportunity to showcase global destinations while educating and inspiring the next generation of travellers. For partnership inquiries and more information, please contact the team at hello@kaleidoadventures.com.

Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar joined Labour’s candidate for the Kilwinning by-election, Mary Hume, on the campaign trail last Saturday, 20th April. The pair, accompanied by Labour activists, engaged with the local community and business owners along Main Street in Kilwinning, discussing the forthcoming council by-election on 9th May. During the visit, conversations centred on the support needed for local traders to thrive and the potential impact of new policies. Sarwar took to social media to share his experiences: "The sun was shining in Kilwinning this morning! Our candidate in the upcoming council by-election Mary Hume showed me around her beautiful town and told me people here are proud, but they’ve been let down (by the SNP). On 9th May we can change that and deliver the change Kilwinning needs." Mary Hume commented on the visit, saying, “Having Anas in Kilwinning was brilliant. Our campaign has been working incredibly hard, speaking to voters over the last few weeks. People have been repeatedly telling us that Kilwinning is being let down by the SNP Council and Anas heard the same from people in the town centre.” She added, “He also heard direct from some of local businesses who are doing everything in their power to bring more people into the town centre. They told us how if SNP Councillors had succeeded in introducing town centre parking charges it would have crippled their business. It’s clear they need more support and I will be a champion for them in the Council if elected on 9th May.” The visit highlighted the key issues and concerns of the Kilwinning electorate as the by-election approaches, with local leaders seeking to influence the outcome through direct dialogue and engagement with the community.

A serious incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a small aircraft crashed in a field adjacent to the A719 near Monkton, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Police Scotland reported that the crash took place around 4:10 pm on 23 April 2024. Following the incident, emergency personnel swiftly attended the scene. Two men, aged 65 and 75, were involved in the accident and have been airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Both are currently receiving treatment for serious injuries sustained during the crash. As a result of the incident, the A719 was temporarily closed at the junction with the B739 to facilitate emergency operations and ensure safety. The road was reopened later that evening at around 7:30 pm. Authorities are actively conducting investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash. A statement from Police Scotland said: “Around 4.10pm on Tuesday, 23 April, 2024, we received a report of a small aircraft having crashed in a field near to the A719 at Monkton.” “Emergency services attended and two men aged 65 and 75 were taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital by helicopter for treatment of serious injuries.” “The A719 was closed at the B739, Monkton and re-opened around 7.30pm.” “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.” Prestwick Airports Fire Brigade and Ground Operations team also assisted in the incident.

Two nurses from NHS Ayrshire & Arran have been named finalists in the esteemed Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland Nurse of the Year awards. Susan Holland and Yasmin Murray, who work at University Hospital Crosshouse, have earned their places as finalists due to their exceptional contributions to Scottish nursing. Susan Holland, serving as an Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Nurse Consultant for the past six years, has been recognised in the Mental Health Nursing Award category. She has been lauded for her leadership abilities and her significant impact on mental health nursing, particularly in advancing positive dementia practices. Yasmin Murray, the Deputy Charge Nurse at the Medical High Dependency Unit, has been nominated for the Learning in Practice Award. Yasmin’s innovative approach includes developing a specialised training programme designed to support junior nurses within her unit. This initiative not only aims to enhance patient care but also seeks to increase efficiency and improve staff retention. The awards ceremony, set to be a highlight of the nursing calendar, will take place on the 23rd of May 2024 at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. This event promises to bring together nursing professionals from across the country to celebrate their achievements and dedication. Jennifer Wilson, Nurse Director at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, expressed her pride and congratulations to both nominees. “This is fantastic news and well deserved. Huge congratulations to Yasmin and Susan. This recognition acknowledges the important work they are both doing in their roles and I wish them every success for the RCN awards night itself next month,” she said. The recognition of Susan and Yasmin at this prestigious event underscores the high level of nursing expertise within NHS Ayrshire & Arran and highlights the vital role nurses play in healthcare.

After 21 years of serving the Ayr community, Wee Windaes, a beloved local pub located on Newmarket Street, is witnessing the end of an era as owner James "Jim" McSherry announces his retirement. While the pub itself will continue under new management, Sunday will mark Jim's final day at the helm, making it a significant milestone for both him and the pub's regular patrons. In a heartfelt social media post, the pub's management expressed profound gratitude to its customers: "We’d like to say thank you to every single person that has passed through our doors over the years. Whether just the once or every day, you’ve made the Wee Windaes the special place it is—a home from home." Known for its warm, familial atmosphere, Wee Windaes has been a cornerstone of the community, drawing locals and visitors alike. The post highlighted the crucial role of the clientele in shaping the pub's unique character: "You have been the heart of the pub ♥️ and it’s thanks to you we’ve built such a wonderful Wee Windaes family." The dedication and humour of the staff were also acknowledged as integral to the pub’s success: "The staff have played a huge part, and we’d like to thank them for their support and laughs along the way." As for Jim, his post-retirement plans involve spending more time with family and friends, though, as the pub quipped, "we can safely say he won’t do much relaxing and certainly can’t see him taking up golf! 🤣" While Jim prepares to step back, Wee Windaes is set to continue welcoming guests under new management. As this transition unfolds, the management sends out one final message under Jim's stewardship: "Thank you all for the memories." This Sunday’s event will surely be an emotional day for many, as locals celebrate Jim’s contributions and bid him a fond farewell, even as they look forward to the future of Wee Windaes.