Tomorrow (Friday, 29 March), the old Odeon Cinema on Burns Statue Square will reopen as the Astoria Cinema Ayr, part of the Merlin Cinemas Group. Merlin Cinemas started almost 35 years ago with a single-screen venue in Penzance and now operates over 18 cinemas across the country, with their most recent opening being the Plaza Cinema, Weston-super-Mare, which opened in December 2023. Merlin has repurposed several heritage buildings so that all communities can continue to enjoy cinema experiences at affordable prices. In 2015, Merlin reopened the cinema in Thurso, Caithness, which, although successful, had suffered a few setbacks over the years and suddenly closed. Merlin took an educated risk, and Thurso became the first cinema to be operated by the company outside of England, all from their offices in Cornwall. The Astoria first opened in 1938. It is the single surviving purpose-built Odeon in Scotland; it was designed by Thomas Braddock, who was also responsible for the group’s flagship cinema in Leicester Square, London. Its iconic landmark tower and magnificent design make an important contribution to the streetscape of Ayr and Burns Statue Square. The cinema has required repairs and improvements before it can re-open, and Merlin is committed to improving the cinema further and enhancing cinema experiences for the local community. Merlin works closely with many heritage organisations and councils to ensure these landmark buildings are preserved for the towns in which they operate. Standard tickets are priced from £5, and there are further savings to be made with Merlin’s Movie Magic card, offering Big Screen entertainment at the Small Price of just £4 all year round, providing some of the best value cinema-going in the country. The cinema will be showing a range of hotly anticipated new release films on opening: Kung Fu Panda 4 with the beloved Po getting up to his usual tricks in his journey to be the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace; our hero Kong clashes with the biggest threat ever to emerge from the monsters’ homeworld in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire; and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire sees the return of veteran Ghostbusters Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd to join forces with the new recruits in saving the world from a death-chilling adversary. You can expect a host of titles you might have missed coming to the Astoria, such as Bob: Marley: One Love, Dune: Part Two and for the little ones, Migration, the new film from the Despicable Me team. The regular program will feature special revival screenings of cinema favorites with the Big + Mini Movie Deal seasons and event cinema productions including opera, ballet, theatre and music concerts. The Astoria will also host regular parent and baby, relaxed (autism-friendly) and subtitled screenings for the hard of hearing. Merlin’s popular Silver Screen strand which includes a hot drink, biscuits and reduced-price tickets, all for £4.50, kicks off on Thursday 18th April with award-winner Oppenheimer.

Amid Modern Updates in a blend of nostalgia and innovation, the Astoria Cinema has announced the completion of its recent renovation project, which notably includes the restoration of its iconic historic tiles. These tiles, fondly remembered by generations of cinema-goers who once queued alongside them for the Saturday Morning Pictures, have been carefully preserved as part of the cinema's efforts to maintain its cherished heritage while modernising its facilities. The restoration work extends to the cinema's low-level canopy lighting, which has been updated to enhance the aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency of the building's exterior. This careful preservation of the past, coupled with an eye towards the future, highlights the Astoria Cinema's commitment to providing a unique and memorable experience for its patrons. The cinema's management expressed their excitement about the project's completion, stating, "We're pleased to have restored these tiles while modernizing our low-level canopy lighting. Do you remember queuing next to them whilst going to Saturday Morning Pictures back in the day? The restoration of the tiles not only revives a piece of the cinema's history but also serves as a tangible connection to the past for the local community and longtime visitors. The Astoria Cinema's initiative has been met with enthusiasm from our readers, who appreciate the effort to preserve the cinema's historical elements while ensuring a modern and comfortable viewing experience. Martin Dowey, Leader of South Ayrshire Council told ADN, “It's important that we encourage and support any new business coming into Ayrshire, we wish Astoria the best for the future.

Scottish City link have announced a new Express Bus service between Troon & Glasgow that will connect with the Arran ferry. The service will run between Troon Harbour and Glasgow Buchanan bus station stopping at Troon West Portland street and starts this Friday 29th March The new service will run 4 times daily each way. brand new electric coaches will be used on the 922 service. Booking for the service can be done via the Scottish City link website. www.citylink.co.uk

The maritime community will gather On Sunday, 7th April, at 2:30 PM, to bid a ceremonial farewell to the venerable boat, The Watchful, during its decommissioning ceremony. The event, steeped in tradition and respect, promises to be a poignant moment for family members and associates of those who served or were connected to the Watchful over its years of service. The ceremony will be officiated by the Rev. Gemmell and representing South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, “leader of South Ayrshire Council” saying a few words, as the community comes together to honour the history and legacy of The Watchful. Decommissioning ceremonies are deeply symbolic, serving as a final salute to vessels that have played crucial roles, often in maritime safety, defence, or community service. This event not only signifies the end of the Watchful’s active duty but also commemorates its contributions, memories, and the bonds forged aboard. Family members and the wider community are invited to join in the ceremony, reflecting on the past and acknowledging the vessel's service and impact. The decommissioning of the Watchful stands as a testament to the maritime tradition of respecting and commemorating the service of vessels that have been integral to the community and national interests. The community is encouraged to attend and be part of this solemn and reflective occasion. 124 South Harbour Street Ayr KA71HF https://maps.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x4889d73e57936c6d:0x35997e9fb20e7f54?entry=s&sa=X&ved=1t:8290&hl=en-GB&ictx=111

This April, a tradition that has made Ayr families smile for over 100 years is coming back. The Easter Funfair, known for its joy and bringing people together, will be at Craigie Park, thanks to Billy Hammond and the fair is being advertised and promoted by Dave Bear Entertainments. Billy is carrying on the Family Tradition started by his great Grandparents Frank and Lucy Codona. Billy took over the running of the Fair on the old Churchill Barracks Site after the passing of his Grandad Frank in 1987, keeping the fair full of fun and introducing new rides suitable for all the Family to this day. The fair used to be behind Ayr Baths until 1998. Then, they had to move because of new buildings being put up. Finding a new place was tough, but now, the Hammond family is happy to say the fair is back in Ayr. From Thursday, 4th April, to Sunday, 14th April, Craigie Park will be filled with rides and games for all ages. It's not just a fair; it's a tradition that brings the whole community together, making great memories and bringing happiness to everyone. Making sure everyone is safe and happy is very important to the people running the fair. There's free parking, food to buy, and clean toilets, so families can just have fun. David Moore from Dave Bear Entertainments is really excited for the fair to be back. He said it's a big part of Ayr's history and a way to remember the joy that Frank Codona brought to the town. It also shows the hard work and love Billy Hammond and his family have for keeping the fair going. The Easter Fair is ready to welcome everyone again, showing the simple joys that bring us together. So, make sure you come to Craigie Park this April to experience the magic of the Easter Fair, a tradition of fun, family, and community that has lasted for more than a century.

The ground has been officially broken at St Sophia’s Primary in Galston, marking the innovative refurbishment that is now underway. St Sophia’s buildings are being refurbished to the EnerPHit building standard and the school will be the first EnerPHit-certified school in the UK. EnerPHit refurbishment transforms the energy efficiency of an existing building, working within the existing footprint and structure. Undertaking a deep retrofit to an EnerPHit standard also provides the opportunity to rationalise and improve the layout of the existing building to ensure this is fit for modern learning environments. Councillor Elaine Cowan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People was joined at the official ground-breaking by Councillor Douglas Reid, Provost Jim Todd, Councillor Barry Douglas, local members Councillor Sally Cogley and Councillor Beverley Clark; Linda McAulay-Griffiths, Chief Education Officer and Head of Education; Head Teacher Lizzie Heron and Andrew Kennedy, Head of Facilities and Property Management. Councillor Cowan said: “It was an honour to be part of the official ground-breaking ceremony at St Sophia’s Primary, which was performed by Theo, Mitchell, Allie, Michael, Lyle, Sophie and Murphy. “The refurbishment of St Sophia’s is an exciting and incredibly innovative project. It will become the first EnerPHit certified school in the UK and significant energy reductions are expected to be delivered by improving the fabric of the building. “More importantly, this is an investment in the children and young people of the Irvine Valley. As a Council, we are committed to ensuring that all our children and young people have the best possible start in life and have the opportunity to learn in an environment that matches the hopes and aspirations of the school community. “The children and young people have been decanted to the former Kirkstyle Primary School and thanks to the wonderful staff from St Sophia’s and our parents and carers this has been working well but everyone is excited to be back at their school next year.” The project, which has a total capital budget of £5.8m, is being delivered as part of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme – Phase 2 and is receiving total grant funding support of approximately £4.300m over 25 years.

A notorious Pothole filled road near Maybole is finally set to be resurfaced next month. The B7023 between Maybole & Crosshill will be closed each day from the 2nd until 19th of April between 8AM & 5PM for resurfacing with diversions set to be put in place. The section of road has been long overdue for resurfacing with many local motorists branding the section of road as "notorious" and "unfit for use" recently due to the amount of potholes on the section of road. The daytime closures will allow the road to be completely resurfaced. Please plan ahead for these closures.

With GP practices being closed on Friday 29 March 2024 and Monday 1 April 2024, Ayrshire residents are being urged to check who to turn to if they need advice or support to cope with any common health concerns. Roisin Kavanagh, Director of Pharmacy, explains: “You can do several things to make sure you are prepared to deal with common illnesses over the bank holiday weekend.  Having a sufficient supply of medicines like paracetamol, sore throat, and cough remedies will help to relieve the symptoms of common ailments. “If you take regular medication, you should check your existing supplies and only order what you need to see you through over the holiday weekend.  It is also a good idea to make sure you know when your local GP practice and community pharmacy are closed.  Please also take into consideration the time required by your local GP Practice and community pharmacy for processing prescription requests as this can add up to seven days”. South Ayrshire Pharmacy arrangments: Friday 29 March 2024 All pharmacies will be open, except Alloway Pharmacy, 21 Alloway, Alloway Ogg & Co, 44 Newmarket Street, Ayr Coylton Pharmacy, 13 Main Street, Coylton Davidsons Chemists, 11 Main Street, Dundonald Carrick Pharmacy, 71 High Street, Maybole Davidsons Chemists,  47 Brewlands Drive, Symington Tarbolton Pharmacy, The Cross, Tarbolton Saturday 30 March 2024 All pharmacies will be open as normal Sunday 31 March 2024 All pharmacies will be closed, except Boots Pharmacy, 168/170 High Street, Ayr, from 12noon – 4pm Morrisons Pharmacy, Castlehill Road, Ayr, from 9am – 5pm Monday 1 April 2024 All pharmacies will be closed, except Boots Pharmacy, 168/170 High Street, Ayr, from 12noon – 4pm East Ayrshire Pharmacy arrangments: Friday 29 March 2024 All pharmacies will be open, except Catrine Pharmacy, 8 Ford Street, Catrine Davidsons Chemists, 4/8 Irvine Road, Crosshouse Cumnock Pharmacy, 9B Townhead Street, Cumnock Doon Valley Pharmacy, 5 Cathcartson, Dalmellington Dalrymple Pharmacy, 6 Main Street, Dalrymple Drongan Pharmacy, 64 Mill ‘O’ Shield Road, Drongan Fenwick Pharmacy, 77 Main Road, Fenwick Right Medicine Pharmacy, 90 Main Street, Ochiltree Saturday 30 March 2024 All pharmacies will be open as normal Sunday 31 March 2024 All pharmacies will be closed, except Boots Pharmacy, 62/70 King Street, Kilmarnock, from 12noon – 4pm Morrisons Pharmacy, West Langlands Street, Kilmarnock, from 10am – 5pm Monday 1 April 2024 All pharmacies will be closed, except Fenwick Pharmacy, 77 Main Road, Fenwick, from 12noon – 4pm Boots Pharmacy, 62/70 King Street, Kilmarnock, from 12noon – 4pm Right Medicine Pharmacy, 90 Main Street, Ochiltree, from 9am – 1pm and 2pm -5.30pm North Ayrshire Pharmacy arrangments: Friday 29 March 2024 All pharmacies will be open, except Gallagher Healthcare, 6 Central Avenue, Ardrossan Gallagher Healthcare, 41 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan Davidsons Chemists, 18 Main Street, Dalry Gallagher Healthcare, 1 New Street, Dalry Davidsons Chemists, 20 Main Street, Dreghorn Townhead Pharmacy, Station Plaza, Pennyburn Road, Kilwinning Gallagher Healthcare, 19 Dockhead Street, Saltcoats Gallagher Healthcare, 41 Hamilton Street, Saltcoats Gallagher Healthcare, 17/19 Raise Street, Saltcoats Care Pharmacy, 55 Main Street, Springside Gallagher Healthcare, 33 New Street, Stevenston Saturday 30 March 2024 All pharmacies will be open as normal Sunday 31 March 2024 All pharmacies will be closed, except Boots Pharmacy, 1 Fullarton Square, Irvine, from 11am – 5pm Superdrug, 6B Aitken Street, Largs, from 11am – 5pm Monday 1 April 2024 All pharmacies will be closed, except Arran Pharmacy, Brodick, Arran, from 9am – 1pm Boots Pharmacy, 1 Fullarton Square, Irvine, from 11am – 5pm Superdrug Pharmacy, 6B Aitken Street, Largs, from 9am – 5.30pm

ScotRail has issued travel advice for football fans heading to Hampden Park for the men’s international between Scotland and Northern Ireland next week. The national team will continue their Euro 2024 preparations with the match on Tuesday, 26 March at 19.45, and to help fans travel to the match, the train operator is adding more services and seats to and from Mount Florida, the closest station to Hampden. ScotRail has confirmed the extra train services with more carriages will operate before and after the game to help supporters get to and from the match. However, the train operator is warning fans that trains will be busier than normal, so customers should plan ahead. Customers heading to the game are advised to allow additional time for travel as queuing systems will be in place at Glasgow Central before the football, and at Mount Florida after the final whistle. To reduce the need to queue, all customers are encouraged to buy their return tickets in advance via the mTicket system on the ScotRail app. Buying tickets through the mTicket system means people can purchase tickets from the comfort of their home or on the way to the station and it will instantly become available on their mobile device. ScotRail will have extra staff on hand to assist customers, and the train operator is reminding everyone that the carrying and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on ScotRail trains and in ScotRail stations. Fans traveling from Northern Ireland to Scotland by ferry should also check their journey as train services on the Stranraer line are currently being replaced by buses while demolition work continues at the former Ayr Station Hotel. Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said: “We’re looking forward to helping fans travel by train to watch the Scotland men’s national team play Northern Ireland at Hampden on Tuesday night. “We’re adding more services and extra carriages to trains between Glasgow Central and Mount Florida to help supporters travel to and from the match, and we’ll have additional staff on hand to help you. “Customers heading to Hampden should plan ahead and allow more time for travel, as queuing systems will be in place before and after the match, and trains will be busy. “Buying your return tickets in advance through our mTicket system on the ScotRail app will reduce your need to queue.”

Grange Academy’s annual PiDay celebrations expanded considerably this year when young people from the school were joined at Rugby Park by Park School, Annanhill Primary and Gargieston Primary for a Pi related Mexican Wave. Mr Smith, MBE, the school’s resident Maths geek and PiDay enthusiast, organised a Mexican Wave in the Moffat Stand, representing the first few digits of Pi. Mr Smith, who is a Kilmarnock FC season ticket holder explained: "As I munched on a Kilmarnock Pie at half time during a match, I had an ePIphany moment - why don't we use Rugby Park, the home of the award-winning Kilmarnock Pie for PiDay...after all, Kilmarnock are a real community club who are keen to link football and education?! It seemed like a dream that might be out of reach but before long we'd got the green light from the football club and it was time to rope in the rest of the PiDay team that would give this event a real buzz. "The weather on the day certainly wasn’t playing ball. The rain was lashing down but that didn't stop us. I hollered through my megaphone to direct everyone into formation so that we had 3 fans next to 1 fan next to 4 fans next to 1 fan...When the geeky Mexican Wave rippled across the stand it was providing a sort of human bar chart of the digits of pi as they appear in everyone's favourite irrational number!" The second part of the PiDay plans – laying out hundreds of Kilmarnock pie boxes around the centre circle and comparing the number of boxes that would be needed across it – had to be postponed due to the weather. Almost 900 boxes are now at Grange Campus and are ready for use on the astroturf once the weather is a bit better. The children and young people moved inside and enjoyed trying out the club’s brand new target practice and circular training machines, with sessions organised by Kilmarnock’s community team, supported by Mr Adams and the school’s Young Sports Leaders. There was also a PiDay sing-song with Mr Smith. Local elected members Councillor Iain Linton and Councillor Douglas Reid joined in the fun and were the sixth fan of the Mexican Wave. Councillor Reid, Leader of the Council said: "PiDay is an important day for Mathematicians around the world and Mr Smith’s celebrations are legendary in East Ayrshire. It was unbelievably cold in the stand but everyone had loads of fun doing the Mexican Wave. Unfortunately Cllr Linton and I missed Browning’s special Em-pi-re biscuits, but we heard they were delicious. "Well done Mr Smith and the whole team behind PiDay." PiDay was supported by the Ayrshire Film Company who have been working with young people in our schools who have an interest in videography; Kilmarnock Community Team, Captain Conker, Brownings the Bakers and goodie bags were provided by TES. The Maths doesn't end there. The Kilmarnock Community team already deliver Science workshops to pupils inspired by the current Killie away strip that features the DNA of penicillin. But PiDay is going to be the springboard to an exciting collaboration where Mr Smith will help the club develop a Mathsy workshop, which will end up being rolled out over East Ayrshire by the Community team

An Ayr Convenience store has been forced to ramp up security and fix damage after an overnight break-in. The Ayr Local convenience store located beside Greggs on Ayr High Street was closed on Sunday with police spotted outside the busy store, Ayr Local later confirmed on Facebook that it was closed to a Break-in. Vapes, cigarettes, and tobacco were stolen from the convenience store during the raid. Ayr Local Said via Facebook: "Sorry we were closed today, we got broken into overnight. But we have ramped up security and had to build the top half of the shop as it was a mess and now re-filling the shelves overnight. WE WILL BE OPEN AS NORMAL FROM TOMORROW MORNING sorry for any inconvenience."

Everyone around Ayrshire is familiar with Royal Navy helicopters. They have been based at, or using, Prestwick Airport for decades. This week we noticed some unusual types of helicopters so Ayrshire Daily News decided to investigate, writes aviation reporter Doug Maclean. 825 Naval Air Squadron, which is normally based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in Somerset, have detached to the former HMS Gannet at Prestwick Airport to put their student Pilots and Observers to the test in the beautiful but challenging scenery of Scotland. I asked Lt Michael Vivian of 825 Squadron to explain what the Wildcats were doing at Prestwick. He said, “Operating the Wildcat HMA Mk 2 aircraft students have been practising a range of skills from basic radar and sensor work, formation flights and up to high-end warfighting scenarios developed by our instructors to prepare them for Frontline operations such as those faced by crews in the Red Sea.” The rugged Wildcat looks the part of a fighting machine. Operating at about 160 mph these versatile, multi-role helicopters operate from the frigates and destroyers of the Royal Navy and provide immense firepower and a wide range of technological advancements. They have a range of 420 nautical miles and replaced the Lynx helicopter. It has a more powerful engine that allows the Wildcat to be flown in extreme weather conditions all year round. It performs a range of tasks, such as anti-surface warfare, force protection and counter-piracy. Lt Vivian said, “Operating in the incredible landscapes around Prestwick gives students access to open ocean, littoral lochs as well as inland training areas making it the perfect place to put all of their skills to the test.” Our ace photographers caught the Wildcats coming and going from Prestwick this week. Kai Brown snapped a Wildcat air taxiing past a massive US Air Force C5 Galaxy and Eddie Wallace added a range of other Wildcat pictures all taken at Prestwick. The Wildcats come on these exercises 2 or even 3 times a year and are a most welcome addition to the many different aircraft using Prestwick 24 hours a day. No wonder we say Prestwick is the Heart of Scottish Aviation.