Adam Lyon

Ayr-based Homestead Smokehouse has been named Burger Bar of the Year 2026 at The Food Awards Scotland. The restaurant, which relocated from Alloway Place to the former Retro Bar premises on Miller Road, returned under its new location less than a year ago. Its team credited staff and customers for helping secure the national award.

Ayrshire residents Gordon Logan and Michael Goldie raised more than £10,000 for the Crosshouse Children’s Fund by cycling 200 miles from St Andrews to Ayr. Both had used Crosshouse Hospital’s neonatal intensive care facilities and undertook six months of training for the challenge, far exceeding their initial fundraising target of £1,000 each.

SNP MSP Siobhian Brown is contacting South Ayrshire Council over broken windows and glass around the vacant former Hourstons building in Ayr. The council had planned to redevelop the site, alongside the former Arran Mall, as a £30 million Living Well Village, but abandoned the project after failing to secure funding. Brown is seeking measures to secure the building, remove the broken glass and prevent further deterioration while redevelopment plans remain unresolved.

A detached bungalow on Auchentrae Crescent in Ayr is being marketed by Corum for offers over £425,000. The traditionally styled property has four bedrooms across two levels, including a master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite, as well as a fitted dining kitchen, conservatory, gardens, two gated driveways and a converted garage used as a garden room or gym.

Troon in South Ayrshire has been named the best place in the UK to live by the sea in a ranking published by The Times. The coastal town was praised for its beaches and holiday atmosphere. Aberaeron, Ballycastle, Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Anglesey completed the top five.

Ayr United lost 3–2 to Kilmarnock in the Ayrshire derby after twice taking the lead. Owen Stirton and Ross Taylor scored for Ayr, while Joe Hugill, Michael Schjønning-Larsen and Nicky Clescenco completed Kilmarnock's comeback, with the winner coming late after a mistake by Ayr goalkeeper Harry Stone. Ayr manager Gary Naysmith said he was gutted but proud of his players' effort and adherence to the game plan, while acknowledging the team needed to manage the final 10 minutes better. Around 3,000 Ayr supporters attended, and Ayr were scheduled to face Raith Rovers next in the Championship.

Prestwick Airport has received approval from South Ayrshire Council to replace its outdated EN4000 Primary Surveillance Radar under a certificate of lawfulness. The modern equivalent will use the existing tower and associated infrastructure and will continue supporting air traffic controllers in tracking non-cooperative aircraft, handling transponder failures, and monitoring surface and terminal movements. Officials determined that the work qualifies as permitted development and does not require planning permission.

Ayr United manager Gary Naysmith has urged his players to manage their excitement and execute their game plan in Friday’s Ayrshire derby against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. The Premier Sports Cup tie has attracted more than 2,500 away supporters, while Ayr midfielder Luke McBeth says the squad is confident but will respect Kilmarnock’s quality.

Wellingtons Bar in Ayr will host a free anniversary party on Friday, August 14, marking one year since its takeover and renovation by the Southern Ayr Group. The event will feature live music, a DJ, a saxophonist, complimentary canapés and themed birthday cocktails.

Ayr Hospital Radio will host a Music of the Movies fundraiser at Ayr Town Hall on Friday, September 11 at 7 p.m. Glasgow Studio Orchestra will perform themes from films including James Bond, Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Tickets cost £15, with proceeds supporting the station’s broadcasts to University Hospital Ayr, Ailsa Hospital and The Biggart Hospital, as well as its online service.

Buzzworks has acquired Troon’s South Beach Hotel, which will remain open until October before closing for a full refurbishment and joining the Buzzworks House Collection. A two-day closing sale will be held on September 30 and October 1, offering furniture, TVs, glassware, accessories and other items. The redevelopment will update the pub, restaurant and guest rooms while retaining elements of the hotel’s established character.

Hundreds of people gathered in Ayr to watch the replica 17th-century Spanish galleon Galeón Andalucía enter the harbour. The vessel, operated as a sailing museum by the Nao Victoria Foundation, will be open to visitors from August 13 to 23, showcasing maritime heritage and the ships used by the Spanish Crown on voyages linking Spain, the Americas and the Philippines. The exhibition is supported by South Ayrshire Council and Associated British Ports’ Port of Ayr.

A rare partial solar eclipse is expected to be visible across Ayrshire on Wednesday, August 12, with about 90% of the Sun covered. The eclipse is scheduled to begin at 6:09 p.m., reach maximum coverage around 7:07 p.m., and end at 8:01 p.m. Residents are advised to use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses rather than ordinary sunglasses, which do not adequately protect against harmful solar radiation. The event is expected to cause noticeable changes in light and temperature, and another deep partial eclipse will not be visible from the UK until 2050.

Ayr pub Mulligan’s is set to reopen after being taken over by the owners of Drouthy Neebors. Mulligan’s, which opened in August 2023 with a bar, 14-cover restaurant and 150-capacity beer garden, closed after its owners put it on the market. The new owners have received the keys and plan to begin work immediately. The pub is also recruiting experienced bar staff for night and weekend shifts.

Ayr Arts Guild has announced its 38th annual season of professional orchestral concerts for 2026–27, featuring six performances in Ayr Town Hall and Holy Trinity Church. The programme includes appearances by the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, Chamber Philharmonic Europe, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and Gordon Cree’s orchestra, plus a Viennese New Year concert conducted by Nil Venditti with soprano Jennifer France. The series is supported by local cultural and civic organizations, with tickets available through the Gaiety Box Office and website.

Busy Bees has closed its nursery near Ayr Hospital despite a petition signed by more than 1,400 parents. The company attributed the decision to low attendance and ongoing recruitment difficulties. Parents had hoped to delay the closure or attract an investor, but all staff have reportedly found new jobs and children aged over three have secured places at other nurseries. The nursery had capacity for 72 children and was rated good across all areas in its October 2024 inspection.

The eighth Ayr and District Flower Show will take place at Ayr Racecourse on August 14–15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs £7 and parking is free. The event will feature competitions in flowers, vegetables, baking, preserves and handicrafts, including new classes for children aged 13–16. The Ayr and District Beekeepers Association will host a Honey Show, while trade stalls, musical entertainment, question sessions and floral art demonstrations will also be available.

Ayr-born opera singer Katie Carmichael, 25, will perform at the Edinburgh International Festival as part of its Rising Stars of Voice mentorship programme. A Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduate and young artist with British Youth Opera’s Serena Fenwick Programme in collaboration with Garsington Opera, she will be mentored by soprano Louise Alder and pianist James Baillieu before two performances at The Queen’s Hall and Usher Hall. Carmichael also performs with the Solas Ensemble and hopes to build a full-time opera career.

Plans have been submitted to convert the former Plough Inn on Cunningham Street in Tarbolton, South Ayrshire, into short-term accommodation with 10 bedrooms across three floors. The entire building would be rented to one group at a time, including holiday groups or contractors housing workers. The pub closed in January last year because of a lack of trade, and the proposal is being considered by South Ayrshire Council under planning reference 26/00477/APP.

The Craigie Farmers' Society Annual Show will take place on Saturday, August 8, at Langholm Farm near Symington, South Ayrshire. Competitions will feature cattle, sheep, horses, ponies, dogs and other categories, with nationally or internationally recognized judges expected to attend. Prize lists are available through the show's Facebook page or by contacting the secretary.

A National Airlines Boeing 777 freighter flew from Prestwick Airport in South Ayrshire to Melbourne, Australia, carrying a replacement aircraft part. The aircraft remained airborne for 19 hours and 24 minutes, covering 9,172 miles, and attracted extensive attention on FlightRadar24. The journey was expected to break distance and duration records for the Boeing 777 and 777F variants.

Prestfest returned to Prestwick with a free weekend of music and entertainment from July 31 to August 2, featuring performances at venues across the town. The programme also included comedy, children’s activities, cinema, wrestling, gift stalls and other events, with entertainment staged at Boydfield Gardens and South Parish Church. Participating venues included The BUF, The Central, Gracie O’Malley’s, Red Lion, The Vintage, LIDO, VICS and Golf Inn; The BUF was holding its final weekend before closing.

Planning permission has been approved for J A Alexander to extend its haulage yard near Auchencruive by 77 metres by 30 metres for storing clean topsoil, gravel and rubble. The expansion will use existing vehicle access and result in the loss of about 2,310 square metres of agricultural land. Approval is subject to conditions, including an archaeological watching brief during groundworks because the site is considered archaeologically sensitive.

The former Ayr Ice Rink site is being redeveloped as a multi-sport facility and wellness centre after previous plans for a storage and distribution centre collapsed. Level 7 Padel says its four courts are on track to open in late August, subject to building-control sign-off from South Ayrshire Council. The site will also include an eeVo Training indoor arena for hybrid racing, HYROX simulations and year-round training, with opening planned for later in the year.

Prestwick Airport is recruiting an operational assistant to support Air China’s 24/7 cargo operations. The 40-hour-per-week role involves administrative and ground-operations support, with aviation experience, strong organisational skills and spoken Mandarin listed as desirable qualifications.

A red Mazda with a smashed rear window, believed to have been involved in a targeted attack on the M74, was recovered in Ayrshire. The incident involved motorcyclists and occupants of four vehicles near Lesmahagow, where a 63-year-old man was seriously assaulted and taken to hospital. Police Scotland is investigating and asking witnesses, motorists with dash-cam footage, and anyone who saw the vehicles to provide information.

Remedial works to prevent further deterioration at SSE’s Hadyard Hill Wind Farm near Girvan have been approved as permitted development by South Ayrshire Council. The project will reinforce the foundations of all 51 turbines with concrete collars, using existing access tracks and taking approximately 12–14 months. Some turbines may return to operation in October, but SSE expects the entire wind farm to be fully operational by the end of October 2027.

Ayr Rotary Club unveiled a QR plaque at Annbank Church commemorating Rotary International founder Paul Harris, who stayed at the church manse in the 1920s with his wife Jean while visiting her brother, minister John Thomson. The plaque project was developed over many years by Ayr Rotarian John Ewing and features access to a video about Harris’s connection to Robert Burns. The ceremony was attended by Ayr Rotary president Mary Helen Shakespeare, Rev Mandy Ralph, John Ewing and Lord Lieutenant Iona MacDonald. The article also recounts Harris’s early life, travels, marriage and role in expanding Rotary, which now has more than 1.5 million members worldwide.

An unannounced Care Inspectorate inspection of Renaissance Care’s 63-bedroom Berelands House in Prestwick found a warm, inclusive culture and consistently kind, respectful interactions between staff and residents. Residents’ relatives praised the staff and said they felt part of the family, while inspectors highlighted safe, compassionate care, resident involvement in improvements, and an environment that supported dignity, independence and quality of life. Home manager Teresa Mangonon welcomed the findings and credited the home’s people and family-oriented culture.

The Ayrshire-based non-profit social enterprise The Turnstyles Enterprise CIC uses supported virtual reality sessions to help older people in care homes, community venues and dementia services revisit familiar places and explore destinations worldwide. Its trained facilitators tailor small-group experiences to participants’ memories and interests, encouraging conversation, reminiscence and social connection. After expanding across Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Glasgow and Inverclyde, the organisation has received support from Firstport’s Build It programme and a £3,000 Hugh Fraser Foundation grant. The funding will strengthen equipment, delivery capacity and partnerships, while future plans include expanding into new areas, subsidising sessions and creating immersive footage of Ayrshire landmarks.

Ayr businesses have paid tribute to 18-year-old Cara McKee, who died on July 15 after a long struggle with mental health. Her family described her as a caring, funny animal lover, while The Kitty Cat Cafe, Queen of Clubs Tattoo Collective and Michael's Superchippy remembered her warmly as a much-loved member of the local community. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover memorial and funeral costs.

Ayr United Supporters Association and Ayr United FC are partnering with the Scottish Prostate Cancer Initiative to offer free prostate cancer checks for men aged 40 to 80 at Somerset Park in Ayr. The tests, involving a brief blood sample, are intended to identify prostate cancer earlier and will be held on August 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Results will be sent confidentially by email within a few days, with registration available online or by phone.

The former Original Factory Shop premises on Alloway Street in Ayr have been put on the market after the retailer entered administration and closed the store following a final trading day on March 21. DM Hall is seeking rental offers of £35,000 a year, while a freehold sale would be considered for offers above £295,000. The mid-terraced, open-plan retail unit includes office, stockroom, kitchen, toilet and additional storage facilities.

Prestfest Music Festival will return to venues across Prestwick from July 31 to August 2 with a free programme of music spanning numerous local performers, bands, DJs and tribute acts. The schedule covers venues including The BUF, The Central, Gracie O’Malley’s, the Red Lion, The Vintage, LIDO, VICS, Boydfield Gardens and the Golf Inn, with a separate cinema event planned at The Broadway.

Ayr teenager Cara Robyn McKee, 18, has died after a long struggle with anorexia, anxiety and stress. Her family remembers her as a caring, funny animal lover with an infectious laugh who volunteered at Hessilhead and worked at Heads of Ayr Farm Park. A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than £11,000 to help cover funeral, cremation and memorial costs and support the family through their grief.

The replica 17th-century Spanish galleon Galeón Andalucía is scheduled to visit Ayr from August 13 to 23, offering visitors access to its onboard maritime-heritage exhibition from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Nao Victoria Foundation is bringing the ship with support from South Ayrshire Council and Associated British Ports’ Port of Ayr. Local officials and port representatives expect the visit to attract residents, tourists and visitors from across Scotland, with discounted online bookings available until August 12.

Prestwick Airport is hosting the RAF’s Voyager A330 refuelling fleet for an 18-week detachment while resurfacing work takes place at RAF Brize Norton. A £1.2 million Ministry of Defence contract funded upgrades including concrete jacking pads, while £750,000 was spent resurfacing 70,000 square metres of apron. The airport is the only UK facility able to accommodate all seven Voyager aircraft and will support the RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert system. Storm Aviation will conduct maintenance under contracts worth almost £7 million, with the detachment scheduled to end in November.

Tralorg Wind Farm Limited has submitted initial plans to South Ayrshire Council for a solar farm within the existing Tralorg Wind Farm site, about 2.5 kilometres east of Girvan. The project would use the wind farm’s access track and substation. Two public engagement sessions are proposed at Girvan Community Centre on August 27 and September 16, while the application is available through the council’s planning portal under reference 26/00463/PAN.

The Local Employability Partnership will host a recruitment event at the Cutty Sark Centre in Ayr on September 10 from 2pm to 4pm. Jobseekers can meet employers and explore career opportunities, while businesses can connect with potential candidates. Enquiries can be directed to the Department for Work and Pensions or South Ayrshire Council, and attendees are encouraged to review vacancies on the Find a Job service.

Prestwick South Church on Main Street is under offer after being listed for sale at £150,000 by the Church of Scotland. The church had united with Monkton and Prestwick North Church to form Monkton and Prestwick Trinity, whose congregation has been rotating between the buildings. The sale includes the listed church building, parking and ancillary spaces, but excludes the hall and surrounding land. The category B-listed property retains original architectural features and could be used for childcare, education, cultural, public-library, retail, commercial or community purposes subject to the necessary consents.

Ayr taxi drivers will host their third annual day out for underprivileged children and young carers on August 5, taking them from Ayr to Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian. Around 20 drivers are volunteering their time, while Whiteleys Retreat, Unity Enterprise and South Ayrshire Council are helping identify children who would benefit. The event is supported by Ayr Premier Taxis owner John Kelly and will raise funds for Whiteleys Retreat, a charity providing respite services for young people with life-altering illnesses. Growing demand has prompted the initiative to continue after its first outing in November 2024.

Narture CIC is taking over Ayr’s former Beatties Toy Shop on Newmarket Street to create the Auld Toy Shop, a community venue combining arts, food, creativity, skills development and public participation. The project seeks to revive an empty building, strengthen civic pride and contribute to the regeneration of a town centre affected by significant deprivation and prolonged shop vacancies. A launch event is planned at the site, with support from landlord David Milne of Milne Properties and £230,000 in funding from Creative Scotland.

Ayr United will host Alloa Athletic at Somerset Park on Saturday, July 25, in their final Premier Sports Cup Group G match. Managed by Gary Naysmith, Ayr have already beaten Stranraer, Falkirk and Edinburgh City to secure top spot. A victory would strengthen their chances of being seeded in the next-round draw and avoiding Scotland's European entrants, including Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Hibernian and Motherwell. Tickets are available at £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and juveniles, and £5 for children under 13.

Ayr audiences will be able to attend Tales of War: A Shropshire Lad at Holy Trinity Church on August 20. The concert will combine music and storytelling to explore conflict, remembrance and resilience from the First World War through the Holocaust, featuring Royal Conservatoire of Scotland students and alumni Sean Nelis, Thomas Heaney, Findlay Peters and Aiden Mays. Entry is pay-what-you-like, with a suggested donation of £10.

More than 1,400 people have signed a petition to prevent the closure of the Busy Bees nursery in Ayr after parents were informed with short notice that it would shut at the end of the month due to low attendance and recruitment difficulties. Parents are seeking either reversal of the decision or an investor to keep the facility running, while Busy Bees’ management expressed regret and committed to supporting families and staff through the transition. The nursery, in operation since 2006 and recently rated good by the Care Inspectorate, is set to close on July 31.

A Victorian-era townhouse on Queen's Terrace in Ayr has been listed for sale at offers over £295,000. The two‑level property features eight principal rooms, retains period architectural details and offers sea views, flexible living space and a large enclosed garden. Though requiring modernisation, the home is presented as a rare opportunity to create a substantial family residence in a desirable seafront location.

Nick Morgan described his trip to the World Cup in the United States as the trip of a lifetime after performing his song No Scotland, No Party for fans across the country, including at a Miami Marlins game. The anthem, which gained popularity during Euro 2024, continued to energize the Tartan Army as Morgan performed at numerous venues and visited dozens of schools before traveling. He thanked supporters in the U.S. and Scotland and shared highlights from his memorable journey.

A South Ayrshire mental health charity, Three Sixty, is launching a women’s group in Girvan to offer support, social connection, and wellbeing activities. The charity, which already supports more than 2,000 people annually, aims to expand its reach through this inclusive programme featuring meditation, self‑care activities, and opportunities for conversation. Organisers say the initiative builds on the success of previous groups in Ayr and encourages local women to participate.

Ayrshire’s River Garden recovery charity outlined early plans for a new Wellbeing Centre that could include an all‑weather sanctuary for activities and sensory outdoor spaces. Staff, residents, and local wellbeing practitioners contributed ideas at a recent consultation event as the organisation begins planning and fundraising efforts. The charity expressed gratitude for community support and encouraged further public involvement in shaping the project.

Ayr United will run a free fanzone at Somerset Park for home matches through late September, supported by the Ayr United Supporters Association. Cameron’s Bar will open early on match days and host activities including children’s sessions, live music, a food truck and player appearances. The initiative begins with the match against Edinburgh City on July 18 and will run until the fixture with Stenhousemuir on September 25, with adjusted times for Friday games.

Volunteer applications have opened for the 2026 Fresh Ayr Folk Fest, a three‑day music event being held at Troon Concert Hall from August 14–16. Organisers are seeking volunteers for stewarding, bar, box office and artist support roles, with applications accepted through the festival’s website until the end of July. Acts currently confirmed include Old Blind Dogs, Tarran, Le Vent Du Nord, Gary Innes and others.

Thistle Cabs has been named the new charity partner of Ayrshire Hospice after completing several fundraising activities including coffee mornings, raffles and the Glasgow Kiltwalk. Manager Stephanie Clark expressed pride in supporting the hospice, crediting customers, staff and the local community for helping raise funds. Ayrshire Hospice welcomed the partnership and looks forward to continued collaboration.

Ayr café Vegan Earth has been put up for sale as owner Joe McGinn retires. The award‑winning business, recognised at the Food Scotland Awards in recent years, is marketed as low‑rent, rate‑free and easy to run, with interested buyers encouraged to contact the café for details.

Art and design pupils from Carrick Academy assisted mural artist Chris Rutterford in completing the final phase of the Alloway Tunnel Mural, a three‑year community project celebrating Ayrshire history and Robert Burns. The workshop focused on creating a sunflower‑themed ceiling dedicated to the late artist and teacher Gillian Robb. The project, supported by the North Carrick Community Benefit Company and Scottish Power Renewables, has been shortlisted for a Visit Scotland Thistle Award. A final workshop for local artists will take place in August at the Robert Burns Cottage Education Pavilion.

A family-run garden centre near Symington, damaged by a major fire just before Christmas, has reduced its opening days while operating under temporary planning approval. Hayes Garden Land, which is functioning from a marquee and temporary facilities while insurance issues are resolved, will close on Mondays and Tuesdays from July 27 due to economic pressures. Current hours run Wednesday to Sunday, with the owners thanking customers for their continued support during recovery efforts.

TG Jones in Ayr permanently closed along with its in‑store Post Office following a nationwide restructuring by parent company Modella Capital. The company attributed the decision to difficult trading conditions, rising costs, weak consumer spending and reduced brand recognition after rebranding former WH Smith stores. Multiple TG Jones locations across the UK have shut in recent weeks, including Kilmarnock.

Ayr Rugby Club is seeking additional volunteers to help run its newly established club shop, which aims to open more frequently during training sessions and weekend matches. The club highlights the availability of new Canterbury products and encourages interested supporters to join the retail team by emailing their details.

Doonfoot Primary School received core Reading School accreditation from the Scottish Book Trust for its efforts to build a strong reading culture. A dedicated Read Team organized book fairs, themed events and literacy‑promoting activities throughout the year, contributing to increased enthusiasm for reading among pupils.

An Ayr councillor raised concerns about the absence of clear emergency procedures after fly‑tipped garden waste and decking blocked a road in the Carrick Hills, limiting access for residents and emergency vehicles. At a South Ayrshire Council meeting, Willie Hogg questioned why councillors lacked a process for reporting such issues out of hours. Neighbourhood services lead Fiona Ross confirmed that a 24‑hour SAMS system exists and had contacted Ayrshire Roads Alliance, which cleared the obstruction and arranged waste removal the following morning.

Heads of Ayr Farm Park won Outdoor Venue of the Year at the Scottish Hospitality Awards, recognising its contributions to Scotland’s tourism sector. The family-run attraction is investing in new outdoor areas, refurbished rides, and expanded play facilities ahead of the busy summer season. Updated animal exhibits, including new calves, alpacas, donkeys and zebras, are expected to draw visitors from across Scotland and Europe.

Chantal McFeely plans a 2.8‑mile charity swim from Little Cumbrae Castle to Portencross Castle in memory of her late husband, aiming to raise awareness about addiction and support River Garden, a recovery community. She highlights her motivation to honour her husband, reduce stigma around addiction and contribute to organisations that help people rebuild their lives. Local volunteers will accompany her during the swim as she continues training ahead of the event.

A £3 million B‑listed property, Cloncaird Castle near Maybole, has been placed on the market, offering extensive accommodation, an events atrium, nine cottages and 143 acres of woodland and farmland. The estate includes numerous original architectural features, multiple reception rooms, modernised spaces for commercial or hospitality use and high‑occupancy holiday cottages. It is being marketed through Savills Rural Estates with further details available on Rightmove.

Young musicians from Marr College in Troon visited Paris, performing during their trip and touring major landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and Disneyland. Staff praised the pupils for representing the school well and described the experience as an excellent trip with a standout group of students.

Ayr’s new independent bookshop, Flirtatious Fiction, will host Scottish romance author Ellie Henderson on July 25 for a summer-themed signing and meet‑and‑greet. Visitors can browse romance titles, enjoy refreshments and take part in themed activities. The shop, opened in June by Fiona and Ewan Clark Northcote, is promoting the event as its first special guest appearance.

Artists are invited to join workshops led by Chris Rutterford to complete the Alloway Tunnel mural in Ayr, contributing painted creatures and themed elements on prepared boards. Sessions run from August 2 to 8 at the Burns Cottage Education Pavilion, with advance design submissions welcomed and registration handled by email.

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership will host its largest gathering, “Biosphere Connections,” on July 29 in Thornhill. The free event will feature speakers involved in heritage, wellbeing, arts and community projects within the UNESCO Biosphere, along with updates on new initiatives offering education, training and support for local groups and businesses. Attendees will participate in networking activities aimed at building partnerships and sharing skills across the region.

A commemorative installation marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme has opened in Wellington Square, featuring 140 silhouettes representing South Ayrshire soldiers and wartime animals. Guided daily tours led by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and local historians offer historical context, while visitors can access narrated biographies via QR codes. Volunteer Terry Wright led efforts to bring the display to Ayr, with special contributions from the Trail of the Caribou Research Group, whose members helped narrate stories of Newfoundland Regiment soldiers buried in Ayr Cemetery.

Woodward Aircraft Engine Systems has applied for permission to construct a 1,900‑square‑metre extension to its Prestwick facility, adding manufacturing, testing, storage and office space as part of a wider investment in the local aerospace sector. Plans also include a new entrance, landscaping and upgraded access arrangements. The project is presented as supporting continued growth at a major local employer and aligning with development in the Prestwick Aerospace and Freeport area.

Prestwick Airport will hold a recruitment event on July 6 offering information on permanent and fixed‑term job opportunities, including aviation services agents and warehouse operatives supporting its expanding cargo operations. Airport staff will be available to discuss roles and application requirements with attendees.

A major heritage‑led regeneration project in Dunure has advanced to its development phase after securing substantial funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and South Ayrshire Council. The initiative will involve surveys, conservation planning, skills training and community engagement to prepare for a larger delivery phase that could exceed £1.1 million. Planned works include restoration of harbour and historic structures, improved infrastructure in Kennedy Park, expanded heritage events, and the creation of a visitor hub called the Helm Centre. Project leaders and local officials highlight strong community involvement and volunteer commitment in driving the effort forward.

Scottish Government guidance encourages schools to strengthen restrictions on mobile phone use during lessons and consider broader limits while allowing exemptions for pupils with specific needs. The initiative precedes proposed legislation aimed at creating consistent national rules. Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown supports the move, emphasising the benefits for learning and wellbeing. Research referenced in the guidance links excessive phone use to distraction, anxiety and reduced engagement.

Freya Russell of Royal Troon has been selected for Scotland’s women’s team competing in the European Ladies’ Team Championship in Ireland, joining 22 national teams and 132 top amateur players. A recent Marr College graduate with multiple amateur titles, she is part of a squad blending experienced players and newcomers. Scottish Golf’s head of performance, Clare Queen, emphasised the competitiveness of the event and noted that the teams have trained together in advance, focusing on areas such as psychology, nutrition and pairings.

Marine Troon raised £2,832 for Whiteleys Retreat by donating £1 from each fish and chips portion sold over the past year. The funds support the charity’s free respite services for children with cancer. Hotel staff expressed appreciation for the charity’s work, and the organisation thanked the team for their support.

Land Energy is sponsoring Girvan’s Music on the Prom summer series, a weekly free live music event organised by Girvan Youth Trust. The sponsorship supports the July 5 performance by The Latest Flames and aligns with the company’s commitment to community engagement. Land Energy, a major UK producer of sustainable wood pellets and briquettes, highlights the event’s value in bringing together residents and visitors along the Girvan seafront.

RNLI crews and Coastguard teams responded to a yacht that ran aground on breakwater rocks while attempting to enter Ayr harbour. Three people aboard were assisted to safety, the lifeboat remained on standby, and the grounded vessel was later freed by harbour staff using the pilot boat Scotia after the tide rose.

Prestwick Airport named long‑time operations director Jules Matteoni as its new CEO, succeeding retiring chief executive Ian Forgie. Leadership praised Matteoni for his three decades of service and key role in expanding e‑commerce and cargo operations. Forgie’s tenure saw major growth in freight activity, including new links to China and increased salmon exports. Matteoni announced the appointment at Air Cargo China as the airport works to build new partnerships and expand commercial opportunities.